view

[ vyoo ]

noun

1. an instance of seeing or beholding; visual inspection.
2. sight; vision.
3. range of sight or vision:

   Several running deer came into the view of the hunters.

4. a sight or prospect of a landscape, the sea, etc.:

   His apartment affords a view of the park.

5. a picture or photograph of something:

   The postcard bears a view of Vesuvius.

6. a particular manner of looking at something:

   From a practical view, the situation presents several problems.

7. contemplation or consideration of a matter with reference to action:

   a project in view.

8. aim, intention, or purpose.

   Synonyms: intent, end, design, object

9. prospect; expectation:

   the view for the future.

10. a sight afforded of something from a position stated or qualified:

    a bird's-eye view.

11. a general account or description of a subject.
12. a conception of a thing; opinion; theory:

    His view was not supported by the facts.

    Synonyms: valuation, impression, assessment, estimation, judgment, belief

13. a survey; inspection:

    a view of Restoration comedy.

verb (used with object)

1. to see; watch:

   to view a movie.

   Synonyms: regard, contemplate, witness

2. to look at; survey; inspect:

   to view the construction of a road.

3. to contemplate mentally; consider:

   to view the repercussions of a decision.

4. to regard in a particular light or as specified:

   She views every minor setback as a disaster.

5. Fox Hunting. to sight (a fox).

view

/ vjuː /

noun

1. the act of seeing or observing; an inspection
2. vision or sight, esp range of vision

   the church is out of view

3. a scene, esp of a fine tract of countryside

   the view from the top was superb

4. a pictorial representation of a scene, such as a photograph
5. sometimes plural opinion; thought

   my own view on the matter differs from yours

6. chance or expectation

   the policy has little view of success

7. foll by to a desired end or intention

   he has a view to securing further qualifications

8. a general survey of a topic, subject, etc

   a comprehensive view of Shakespearean literature

9. visual aspect or appearance

   they look the same in outward view

10. law
    1. a formal inspection by a jury of the place where an alleged crime was committed
    2. a formal inspection of property in dispute
11. a sight of a hunted animal before or during the chase
12. in view of
    taking into consideration
13. on view
    exhibited to the public gaze
14. take a dim view of or take a poor view of
    to regard (something) with disfavour or disapproval
15. with a view to
    1. with the intention of
    2. in anticipation or hope of

verb

1. tr to look at
2. tr to consider in a specified manner

   they view the growth of Communism with horror

3. tr to examine or inspect carefully

   to view the accounts

4. tr to survey mentally; contemplate

   to view the difficulties

5. to watch (television)
6. tr to sight (a hunted animal) before or during the chase

Derived Forms

• ˈviewable, adjective

Other Words From

• multi·view adjective
• un·viewed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of view¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English v(i)ewe (noun), from Anglo-French; Middle French veue “sight,” from unattested Vulgar Latin vidūta, noun use of feminine of unattested vidūtus, for Latin vīsus, past participle of vidēre “to see”

Word History and Origins

Origin of view¹

C15: from Old French veue, from veoir to see, from Latin vidēre

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in view of, in consideration of; on account of:

   In view of the circumstances, it seems best to wait until tomorrow.

2. in view,
   1. within range of vision.
   2. under consideration.
   3. as an end sought:

      She went over the material with the scholarship examination in view.

3. on view, in a place for public inspection; on exhibition:

   The latest models of automobiles are now on view.

4. with a view to,
   1. with the aim or intention of.
   2. with the expectation or hope of:

      They saved their money with a view to being able to buy a house someday.

More idioms and phrases containing view

see bird's eye view ; in (view) the light of ; in view ; on view ; point of view ; take a dim view ; with a view to .

Synonym Study

View, prospect, scene, vista refer to a landscape or perspective. View is a general word, referring to whatever lies open to sight: a fine view of the surrounding country. Prospect suggests a sweeping and often distant view, as from a place of vantage: a beautiful prospect to the south. Scene suggests an organic unity in the details such as is to be found in a picture: a woodland scene. Vista suggests a long, narrow view, as along an avenue between rows of trees: a pleasant vista. See opinion.

Example Sentences

One can certainly discuss this limited series divorced from other critically acclaimed shows, but it’s more interesting to view it as part of a continuum that speaks to our present, whether thematically or parabolically.

From Salon

You will want to keep an eye on the forecast though as cloud may obscure the view in some places.

From BBC

One of Streeting’s team told me: “Wes has approached this issue in a genuine, thoughtful and considerate way, setting out his own view while respecting others’ views.”

From BBC

He has previously set out his support for a change in the law, but will he make that view explicit again this time?

From BBC

But Streeting’s view became public after he told a large, notionally private, meeting of Labour MPs what he thought.

From BBC

Related Words

• attitude
• concept
• consideration
• feeling
• impression
• judgment
• mind
• notion
• opinion
• point of view
• sentiment
• thought