point of view

[ point uhv vyoo ]

noun

1. a specified or stated manner of consideration or appraisal; standpoint: : POV

   from the point of view of a doctor.

2. an opinion, attitude, or judgment: : POV

   He refuses to change his point of view in the matter.

3. the position of the narrator in relation to the story, as indicated by the narrator's outlook from which the events are depicted and by the attitude toward the characters. : POV
4. Movies. a method of shooting a scene or film that expresses the attitude of the director or writer toward the material or of a character in a scene. : POV

point of view

noun

1. a position from which someone or something is observed
2. a mental viewpoint or attitude
3. the mental position from which a story is observed or narrated

   the omniscient point of view

Word History and Origins

Origin of point of view¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Idioms and Phrases

An attitude or standpoint, how one sees or thinks of something. For example, From the manufacturer's point of view, the critical issue is cost . This expression, originally alluding to one's vantage point in seeing a building or painting or other object, dates from the early 1700s.

Example Sentences

Any perceived display of liberal bias was quickly attacked, so the media got the message and gradually acquiesced until liberals and their point of view were marginalized.

From Salon

Caitlyn embodies this point of view both because of her social status and because of her immense personal loss during Jinx’s attack.

From Salon

The Western figures intent on racking up trading victories are hilariously sent up in “Please Hello,” a Gilbert and Sullivan inspired number that nonetheless maintains the Japanese point of view on these bullying capitalists.

From Los Angeles Times

"It is really exciting not just from a pathway point of view but from an England and club point of view. These aren't just normal players, these are special players."

From BBC

She said she believed speed should triumph over accuracy, and admitted that this might not have represented value for money from a taxpayer point of view.

From BBC

Related Words

• angle
• attitude
• opinion
• orientation
• outlook
• perspective
• position
• standpoint