n. & adj.
n. 1 a the art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of relative positions, size, etc. b a picture drawn in this way. 2 the apparent relation between visible objects as to position, distance, etc. 3 a mental view of the relative importance of things (keep the right perspective). 4 a geographical or imaginary prospect.
adj. of or in perspective. in perspective 1 drawn or viewed according to the rules of perspective. 2 correctly regarded in terms of relative importance. perspectival adj. perspectively adv.
[ ME f. med.L perspectiva (ars art) f. perspicere perspect- (as PER-, specere spect- look) ]