Perspective

[per-spek-tiv] /pərˈspɛk tɪv/

noun
1.
a technique of depicting volumes and spatial relationships on a flat surface.
Compare , .
2.
a picture employing this technique, especially one in which it is prominent:
an architect’s perspective of a house.
3.
a visible scene, especially one extending to a distance; vista:
a perspective on the main axis of an estate.
4.
the state of existing in space before the eye:
The elevations look all right, but the building’s composition is a failure in perspective.
5.
the state of one’s ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship:
You have to live here a few years to see local conditions in perspective.
6.
the faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship:
Your data is admirably detailed but it lacks perspective.
7.
a mental view or prospect:
the dismal perspective of terminally ill patients.
adjective
8.
of or relating to the art of perspective, or represented according to its laws.
/pəˈspɛktɪv/
noun
1.
a way of regarding situations, facts, etc, and judging their relative importance
2.
the proper or accurate point of view or the ability to see it; objectivity: try to get some perspective on your troubles
3.
the theory or art of suggesting three dimensions on a two-dimensional surface, in order to recreate the appearance and spatial relationships that objects or a scene in recession present to the eye
4.
the appearance of objects, buildings, etc, relative to each other, as determined by their distance from the viewer, or the effects of this distance on their appearance
5.
a view over some distance in space or time; vista; prospect
6.
a picture showing perspective
n.

late 14c., “science of optics,” from Old French perspective and directly from Medieval Latin perspectiva ars “science of optics,” from fem. of perspectivus “of sight, optical” from Latin perspectus “clearly perceived,” past participle of perspicere “inspect, look through, look closely at,” from per- “through” (see per) + specere “look at” (see scope (n.1)). Sense of “art of drawing objects so as to give appearance of distance or depth” is first found 1590s, influenced by Italian prospettiva, an artists’ term. The figurative meaning “mental outlook over time” is first recorded 1762.

In drawing or painting, a way of portraying three dimensions on a flat, two-dimensional surface by suggesting depth or distance.

games
In computer games, the virtual position from which the human player views the playing area. There are three different perspectives: first person, second person, and third person.
First person perspective: Viewing the world through the eyes of the primary character in three dimensions. e.g. Doom, Quake.
Second person perspective: Viewing the game through a spectator’s eyes, in two or three dimensions. Depending on the game, the main character is always in view. e.g. Super Mario Bros., Tomb Raider.
Third person perspective: a point of view which is independent of where characters or playing units are. The gaming world is viewed much as a satellite would view a battlefield. E.g. Warcraft, Command & Conquer.
(1997-06-19)