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perspective

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //pɝˈspɛktɪv// UK //pəspˈɛktɪv// per·spec·tive Academic Archaic General-service

n. a particular way of thinking about something. It is like looking at a situation from a different angle to understand it better.

n. a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. Often used to describe the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance.


SIMPLE

Traveling helps you get a new perspective on life.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee needs to hear the perspective of the local residents before they vote on the new park.

COMPLEX

From a historical perspective, the current economic shift is less an anomaly and more a predictable consequence of long-term industrial cycles.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English perspective, perspectif, attested since 1381, from Old French or Middle French, from the first word of the Medieval Latin perspectiva ars (“science of optics”), the feminine of Latin perspectivus (“of sight, optical”), from perspectus, the past participle of perspicere (“to inspect, look through”), itself from per- (“through”) + specere (“to look at”); the noun sense was influenced or mediated by Italian prospettiva, from prospetto (“prospect”).

Usage

Often used with the prepositions 'on' or 'from'. When referring to the artistic technique of showing depth, it is typically uncountable.

Pitfall

In my perspective, the plan is good.From my perspective, the plan is good.English speakers use 'from' a perspective or 'in' a view; 'in my perspective' is a common learner error.

Idioms1 entry

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