perspective

 
Pronunciation: /pəˈspɛktɪv/

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the art of representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other: the theory and practice of perspective [as modifier]: a perspective drawing
  • the appearance of viewed objects with regard to their relative position, distance from the viewer, etc.: a trick of perspective
  • [count noun] a view or prospect.
  • Geometry the relation of two figures in the same plane, such that pairs of corresponding points lie on concurrent lines, and corresponding lines meet in collinear points.
  • 2a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view: most guidebook history is written from the editor’s perspective
  • [mass noun] true understanding of the relative importance of things; a sense of proportion: we must keep a sense of perspective about what he’s done though these figures shock, they need to be put into perspective
  • 3an apparent spatial distribution in perceived sound.

Derivatives

perspectival

Pronunciation: /-ˈtʌɪv(ə)l/
adjective

perspectively

adverb

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'optics'): from medieval Latin perspectiva (ars) '(science of) optics', from perspect- 'looked at closely', from the verb perspicere, from per- 'through' + specere 'to look'