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perspective
/pɚˈspɛk.tɪv/
What does "perspective" mean?
point of viewFrom my perspective, the project was a success.
The example shows how one person's viewpoint shapes their judgment of the project's outcome.
How to use "perspective" correctly?
formal
A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.
The book provides a historical perspective on the events.
The book offers a specific way of understanding historical events.
Artists often challenge our perspectives on reality.
Artists frequently change how we see or interpret the world.
Often used in discussions about opinions, interpretations, or frameworks of understanding.
technical
The art of representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other.
The artist used linear perspective to create depth in the painting.
The artist applied mathematical techniques to make the painting appear three-dimensional.
In art and design, perspective refers to techniques for creating the illusion of depth.
Collocations
from one's perspectiveaccording to someone's viewpointchange perspectivealter one's viewpoint or understandingbroaden perspectiveexpand one's range of interests or knowledgehistorical perspectivea viewpoint based on historical context
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Use with prepositions
Perspective is often followed by 'on' (e.g., 'a perspective on life') or 'of' (e.g., 'a perspective of the future'). Avoid using it with 'about' in formal contexts.
Gold Rule
Avoid confusion with 'prospect'
'Perspective' refers to a viewpoint or framework, while 'prospect' means a possibility or chance (e.g., 'job prospects'). They are not interchangeable.
Word Origin
Late Middle English (denoting optical appearance or phenomenon): from Latin *perspectiva* (ars) ‘(art of) seeing through’, from *perspect-*, *perspicere* ‘to see clearly’, from *per-* ‘through’ + *specere* ‘to look’.
Usage Notes
Perspective is often used in academic, artistic, or philosophical contexts to discuss how different factors influence understanding. It emphasizes the subjective nature of interpretation.
Word Breakdown
per-
through
prefix-spect-
look
root-ive
relating to
suffixEnglish Dictionary