n.
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, probably modification of Old Italian prospettiva, from prospetto view, prospect, from Latin prospectus ― more at PROSPECT
Date: 1563
1 a : the technique or process of representing on a plane or curved surface the spatial relation of objects as they might appear to the eye specifically : representation in a drawing or painting of parallel lines as converging in order to give the illusion of depth and distance b : a picture in perspective
2 a : the interrelation in which a subject or its parts are mentally viewed <places the issues in proper perspective > also : POINT OF VIEW b : the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance <urge you to maintain your perspective and to view your own task in a larger framework ― W. J. Cohen>
3 a : a visible scene especially : one giving a distinctive impression of distance : VISTA b : a mental view or prospect <to gain a broader perspective on the international scene ― Current Biog. >
4 : the appearance to the eye of objects in respect to their relative distance and positions
– per · spec · tiv · al \ p ə r- ' spek-ti-v ə l, ˌ p ə r-( ˌ )spek- ' t ī -v ə l \ adjective