perspective

[ per-spek-tiv ]

noun

1. a technique of depicting volumes and spatial relationships on a flat surface. Compare aerial perspective, linear perspective.
2. a picture employing this technique, especially one in which it is prominent:

   an architect's perspective of a house.

3. a visible scene, especially one extending to a distance; vista:

   a perspective on the main axis of an estate.

4. the state of existing in space before the eye:

   The elevations look all right, but the building's composition is a failure in perspective.

5. the state of one's ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship:

   You have to live here a few years to see local conditions in perspective.

6. the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship:

   Your data is admirably detailed but it lacks perspective.

7. a mental view or prospect:

   the dismal perspective of terminally ill patients.

adjective

1. of or relating to the art of perspective, or represented according to its laws.

perspective

/ pəˈspɛktɪv /

noun

1. a way of regarding situations, facts, etc, and judging their relative importance
2. the proper or accurate point of view or the ability to see it; objectivity

   try to get some perspective on your troubles

3. the theory or art of suggesting three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface, in order to recreate the appearance and spatial relationships that objects or a scene in recession present to the eye
4. the appearance of objects, buildings, etc, relative to each other, as determined by their distance from the viewer, or the effects of this distance on their appearance
5. a view over some distance in space or time; vista; prospect
6. a picture showing perspective

perspective

1. In drawing or painting, a way of portraying three dimensions on a flat, two-dimensional surface by suggesting depth or distance.

Derived Forms

• perˈspectively, adverb

Other Words From

• per·spectiv·al adjective
• per·spectived adjective
• per·spective·less adjective
• per·spective·ly adverb
• nonper·spective noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspective¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin perspectīva (ars) “optical (science),” perspectīvum “optical glass,” noun uses of feminine and neuter of perspectīvus “optical,” equivalent to Latin perspect(us) “looked at closely,” past participle of perspicere “to look at closely” ( per-, inspect ) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspective¹

C14: from Medieval Latin perspectīva ars the science of optics, from Latin perspicere to inspect carefully, from per- (intensive) + specere to behold

Example Sentences

On a recent trip to New York City to promote the launch of “Matlock,” Bates came to a stunning realization that put her career into perspective.

From Los Angeles Times

Republican leaders have accused the social media site of censoring conservative viewpoints, which Facebook refuted, saying it has guidelines that “do not permit the suppression of political perspectives.”

From Los Angeles Times

The UFZ researchers therefore see the need for a strongly overarching focus on international regulations to achieve the necessary shift in perspective towards comprehensive global solutions.

From Science Daily

Published in March to widespread critical acclaim,“James” is told from the perspective of Jim, the escaped slave who joins Twain’s protagonist Huckleberry Finn on his journey down the Mississippi River.

From Los Angeles Times

He has a broader perspective on life, too.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• angle
• aspect
• attitude
• context
• mindset
• prospect
• viewpoint