perspective

I. 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 • perspectival 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

> • perspectively adverb