[per.spec.tive] n [ME perspectyf, fr. ML perspectivum, fr. neut. of perspectivus of sight, optical, fr. L perspectus, pp. of perspicere to look through, see clearly, fr. per- through + specere to look--more at per-, spy] (14c) archaic: an optical glass (as a telescope)
[2]perspective n [MF, prob. modif. of OIt prospettiva, fr. prospetto view, prospect, fr. L prospectus--more at prospect] (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; specif: 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 ~"; also: point of view b: the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance "urge you to maintain your ~ and to view your own task in a larger framework --W. J. Cohen" 3 a: a visible scene; esp: one giving a distinctive impression of distance: vista b: a mental view or prospect "to gain a broader ~ 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 adj [3]perspective adj [ME, optical, fr. ML perspectivus] (1570) 1 obs: aiding the vision "his eyes should be like unto the wrong end of a ~ glass --Alexander Pope"
2: of, relating to, employing, or seen in perspective "~ drawing" -- per.spec.tive.ly adv