Definition of perspective

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per·spec·tive    (pr-spktv) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. A view or vista.
   2. A mental view or outlook: "It is useful occasionally to look at the past to gain a perspective on the present" (Fabian Linden).
2. The appearance of objects in depth as perceived by normal binocular vision.
3. 1. The relationship of aspects of a subject to each other and to a whole: a perspective of history; a need to view the problem in the proper perspective.
   2. Subjective evaluation of relative significance; a point of view: the perspective of the displaced homemaker.
   3. The ability to perceive things in their actual interrelations or comparative importance: tried to keep my perspective throughout the crisis.
4. The technique of representing three-dimensional objects and depth relationships on a two-dimensional surface.

ADJECTIVE:

Of, relating to, seen, or represented in perspective.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, science of optics (influenced by French perspective, perspective), from Medieval Latin perspectva (ars), feminine of perspectvus, optical, from perspectus, past participle of perspicere, to inspect : per-, per- + specere, to look; see spek- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
per·spectiv·al(Adjective), per·spective·ly(Adverb)