Perspective — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun adjective /pər-ˈspek-tiv/ per·spec·tive

Meaning & Definition of Perspective

Perspective (noun)

  1. a mental view or prospect
  2. a visible scene; especially, one giving a distinctive impression of distance, vista
  3. the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed; also, point of view
  4. an optical glass (such as a telescope)

Perspective (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, employing, or seen in perspective
  2. aiding the vision

Perspective (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a way of looking at or thinking about something

    "whether she was being rude or candid is all a matter of perspective"

    similar: angle, eye view, outlook, shoes, slant, standpoint, vantage point, viewpoint, frame of reference, point of view
    related: interpretation, spin, belief, conviction, eye, feeling, judgment, mind, mind-set, notion, opinion, perception, persuasion, sentiment, verdict, view, impression, take

  2. all that can be seen from a certain point

    "the perspective from the hotel balcony was dominated by the lake and mountains"

    similar: command, lookout, outlook, panorama, prospect, view, vista
    related: landscape, scene, scenery, ken, sight, visual field

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Perspective

The most common words with a similar meaning to Perspective:

angle, eye view, outlook, shoes, slant, standpoint, vantage point, viewpoint, command, lookout, panorama, prospect, view, vista, frame of reference, point of view

Related Words for Perspective

interpretation, spin, belief, conviction, eye, feeling, judgment, mind, mind-set, notion, opinion, perception, persuasion, sentiment, verdict, impression, take, landscape, scene, scenery, ken, sight, visual field

Word Forms of Perspective

Derived words: perspectival (adjective), perspectively (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Perspective

Middle French, probably modification of Old Italian prospettiva, from prospetto view, prospect, from Latin prospectus prospect

First known use: 1563

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Perspective

Words & Phrases Containing Perspective

aerial perspective, forced perspective, linear perspective

Frequently Asked Questions about Perspective

What does "Perspective" mean?

"Perspective" means a mental view or prospect. As an a noun and an adjective, it is defined as: a mental view or prospect. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Perspective"?

Other words for "Perspective" include angle, eye view, outlook, shoes, slant, standpoint, vantage point and viewpoint. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Perspective" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Perspective"?

There are 39 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Perspective". Common alternatives include angle, eye view, outlook, shoes, slant, standpoint, vantage point, viewpoint, command and lookout.

How do you use "Perspective" in a sentence?

Examples of "Perspective" in a sentence: "whether she was being rude or candid is all a matter of perspective"; "the perspective from the hotel balcony was dominated by the lake and mountains".

Is "Perspective" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Perspective" can be used as a noun and an adjective, depending on the context.

Is "Perspective" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Perspective" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Perspective"?

"Perspective" is pronounced /pər-ˈspek-tiv/ and divided into syllables as per·spec·tive.

What is the origin of the word "Perspective"?

"Perspective" comes from Middle French, probably modification of Old Italian prospettiva, from prospetto view, prospect, from Latin prospectus prospect. First known use: 1563.