I. pə(r)ˈspektiv, -tēv also -təv noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English; in sense 1, from Medieval Latin perspectiva, from feminine of perspectivus of sight, optical, from Latin perspectus (past participle of perspicere to look through, look at, examine, from per- through + -spicere, from specere to look) + -ivus -ive; in sense 2, from Medieval Latin perspectivum, from neuter of perspectivus — more at per- , spy
1. or perspectives plural , obsolete : optics
2. : an optical glass: as
a. : a telescope that shows objects in the right position
b. : any of various optical devices for producing a fantastic effect or optical illusion
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin perspectivus
1. obsolete : of or relating to vision : optical
2.
a. obsolete , of an optical glass : aiding the vision : used for seeing, viewing, or looking
b. : seen in mental perspective
• per·spec·tive·ly -tə̇vlē, -tēv-, -li adverb
III. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French, probably modification (influenced by perspective optics, from Medieval Latin perspectiva ) of Old Italian prospettiva, from prospetto view, prospect (from Latin prospectus ) + -iva n. suffix (from Latin, from feminine of -ivus -ive) — more at perspective , prospect I
1.
a. : the technique of representing on a plane or curved surface the space relationships of natural objects as they appear to the eye
b. : the technique of adjusting the apparent sources of sounds (as on a radio program) into a natural-seeming and integrated whole
c. : a picture or figure that looks distorted except when viewed from some particular point
2.
a. : the interrelation in which parts of a subject are mentally viewed : the aspect of an object of thought from a particular standpoint : configuration
thrown into a fresh perspective
time and experience, which alter all perspectives — Henry Adams
b. : capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance
some folks cannot see the wood for the trees, while other have perspective
3.
a.
(1) : a visible scene ; especially : one giving a distinctive impression of distance : vista
(2) : a mental view or prospect
b. : a picture in linear perspective ; specifically : a scenic picture giving an effect of extension of the vista (as on a stage)
4. : the appearance to the eye of objects in respect to their relative distance and positions
5. : homology 4
two geometric configurations in perspective
center of perspective
6.
a. : a perceptible appearance
b. : appearance of a thing at a given place and time conceived (as by Bertrand Russell) as something actually existing at that place and time even when no perceiver is present and as being a constituent of the object whose appearance it is
•
- in perspective