I. pər-ˈspek-tiv noun
Etymology: Middle English perspectyf, from Medieval Latin perspectivum, from neuter of perspectivus of sight, optical, from Latin perspectus, past participle of perspicere to look through, see clearly, from per- through + specere to look — more at per- , spy
Date: 14th century
archaic : an optical glass (as a telescope)
II. 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 Biography
4. : the appearance to the eye of objects in respect to their relative distance and positions
• per·spec·tiv·al pər-ˈspek-ti-vəl, ˌpər-(ˌ)spek-ˈtī-vəl adjective
III. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, optical, from Medieval Latin perspectivus
Date: 1570
1. obsolete : aiding the vision
his eyes should be like unto the wrong end of a perspective glass — Alexander Pope
2. : of, relating to, employing, or seen in perspective
perspective drawing
• per·spec·tive·ly adverb