perspective
Definitions
A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something.
观点；看法；视角
(Art) the technique of representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface to give the right impression of depth.
（艺术）透视法；透视画法
A sense of proportion or relative importance.
比例感；分寸感
(Rare) of or relating to perspective.
（罕见）透视的
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedper- (through, thoroughly) + spect (look) + -ive (adj./noun) = 'looking through (thoroughly).' Perspective is a way of looking that goes through and beyond a single object to see how things relate. In art, perspective is the system for showing depth on a flat surface; in life, perspective is the ability to step back and see proportion.
Root sp still carries 131 more wordsWhy It Means This
Perspective is one of the most useful borrowings English ever made from Latin. The Renaissance gave it two simultaneous lives. In art, perspective named the new mathematical technique for representing depth — Brunelleschi, Alberti, and others figured out how parallel lines should converge to a vanishing point. In daily language, the word took on a metaphorical sense: a perspective is a way of looking at a topic, and «putting things in perspective» means seeing proportion (this small problem isn't really so big). The same word now spans Vermeer's paintings and your morning conversation about life.
Usage Guide
- Viewpoint (everyday): «from my perspective,» «a fresh perspective» — way of seeing
- Sense of proportion: «put things in perspective» — realize relative importance
- Art: «one-point perspective,» «perspective drawing» — depth representation
- Pattern: «from a X perspective» (from a business perspective, from a child's perspective)
Example Sentences
- 1.
From a historical perspective, this is unprecedented.
- 2.
Travel gives you a new perspective on life.
- 3.
The artist used linear perspective to create depth.
- 4.
A good night's sleep puts things in perspective.
Easily Confused
perspective vs viewpoint vs opinion — Perspective is the broadest: a whole framework of seeing. A viewpoint is a particular position within a perspective. An opinion is a specific judgment formed from a viewpoint. You gain perspective; you take a viewpoint; you express an opinion.