English Reference
noun

vista

n.
US /ˈvɪstə/ UK /vˈɪstɐ/ vista UK spelling vista's, vista's

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Literary

    a beautiful view of a large area of land, especially one you see from a high place or through a gap.

    an extensive mental or physical view, especially one seen through a long, narrow opening or at the end of an avenue.

    Simple

    As we reached the top of the hill, a beautiful vista of the valley opened up before us.

    In context

    The garden was designed so that every window in the house framed a different vista of the rolling hills beyond the estate.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced AcademicLiterary

    a mental picture of a long series of events, usually in the future.

    a mental view of a succession of remembered or anticipated events.

    Simple

    The new scientific discovery opened up a whole new vista of possibilities for medicine.

    In context

    The treaty opened a new vista of diplomatic cooperation, suggesting a future where regional conflicts might finally be resolved through dialogue.

Vanishing towards a perfect blue sky, with summer trees veiling in bright green what might otherwise be dour brick houses, it could be a hyperreal vista painted by David Hockney.

The Guardian· 22 Aug 2026

In Ithaca, you drive along a procedurally generated road, soaking up vistas of huge windfarms, mountains passes and gorges filled with clean blue water.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated