view
/vjuː
/noun
1 [mass noun] The ability to see something or to be seen from a particular place: the end of the tunnel came into view [count noun]: they stood on the bar to get a better view...
- The type of tree will be chosen so as not to obstruct one's view or cause overcrowding.
- The water slides show no signs of abating and regularly obstruct one's view of the sun.
- The other woman sighed; Vicky's view of her was obstructed by a circle of three guards that surrounded her.
Synonyms
sight, perspective, field of vision, range of vision, vision, visibility, eyeshot
1.1 [count noun] An inspection of things for sale by prospective purchasers, especially of works of art at an exhibition.
2A sight or prospect, typically of attractive natural scenery, that can be taken in by the eye from a particular place: a fine view of the castle...
- Depending on design, they can mask undesirable sights or highlight attractive views.
- The lodge comprises two reception rooms and five bedrooms and with its southerly aspect, enjoys fine views down the River Naver.
- It sleeps four comfortably and every room has panoramic views of stunning sea and mountain vistas.
Synonyms
outlook, prospect, panorama, vista, scene, aspect, perspective, spectacle, sight;
scenery, landscape, seascape, riverscape, cityscape, townscape, snowscape
archaic lookout
2.1A work of art depicting a sight of natural scenery: Matisse’s view of Collioure...
- The view is supposed to depict the landscape as seen through the asylum windows.
- Some, the view of Warsaw to the Ordynacki Palace and that towards the Royal Palace, merit the attentions of a restorer.
- Van Dyck, Canaletto's views of Venice, da Vinci sketches, Holbeins, Rubens and Rembrandts.
2.2 [count noun] The visual appearance or an image of something when looked at in a particular way: an aerial view of the military earthworks...
- But I want to take you to some live pictures, aerial views of the city of New Orleans.
- The exhibition catalogue makes dizzy reading as one flicks through the highly animated drawings of buildings, aerial views of cityscapes.
- Anyone else have better sources of aerial views looking down for viewing the effect of the damage on coastlines and rivers?
3A particular way of considering or regarding something; an attitude or opinion: strong political views...
- I considered writing about it, throwing in my own heavily opinionated political and religious views, but I won't.
- She is strong in her political views and religious beliefs.
- We have our own opinions and views on political developments.
Synonyms
opinion, point of view, viewpoint, belief, judgement, reckoning, way of thinking, thinking, thought, notion, idea, conviction, persuasion, attitude, feeling, sentiment, impression, concept, conception, hypothesis, theory, thesis, estimate, estimation, conclusion, verdict;
statement, observation, remark, point;
angle, slant, stance, posture, standpoint, approach
verb
1 [with object] Look at or inspect: the public can view the famous hall with its unique staircase...
- This offers the artist the chance to display their work and allow it to be viewed by the public.
- The draft bye-laws can be viewed at county hall and the last date for observations and submissions to be made to the council, is July 10.
- The plans and a model of the building can be viewed by the public at Chadwell Library, Brentwood Road.
Synonyms
look at, gaze at, stare at, peer at, eye, observe, ogle, contemplate, regard, scan, survey, watch;
look over, see over, be shown over, examine, inspect, scrutinize;
catch sight of, glimpse, lay eyes on, spy, spot;
North American check something out
informal get a load of, gawp at, rubberneck at, give something a/the once-over, have a look-see at, have/take a gander at, have a squint at, clap eyes on
British informal have/take a dekko at, have/take a butcher's at, take a shufti at, clock
North American informal eyeball
literary espy, behold, descry
1.1Inspect (a house or other property) with the intention of possibly buying or renting it: prospective buyers are requested to make an appointment to view the house...
- Mary Ryan, from Property Vision, has viewed the house and believes it is in desperate need of a makeover.
- He was joined by his wife Bridget as the first party turned up at Bute House in Edinburgh to view the property.
- Sadly, the people who came to view the house the other day seem to have decided against proceeding.
1.2Watch (something) on television: some people record the programme and view it later on their VCR...
- Thus, televised sport was viewed first as programming and then as sport.
- These ads can piggyback on the televisions station's viewing audience.
- Even when we switch off these allegedly offending channels here, those with satellite television will continue viewing them.
1.3 Hunting See (a fox) break cover.
2 [with object and adverbial] Regard in a particular light or with a particular attitude: farmers are viewing the rise in rabbit numbers with concern...
- If Nick wants to go down this path, some of his comments may well have to be viewed in the same light.
- But if everything that passes in front of the eyes is supposed to be entertaining, and is viewed in that light, then the simulation would be condemned as appalling taste.
- The coincidence needs to be viewed in the light of the fact that the world's temperature has always gone up and down like a yo-yo on all sorts of time scales.
Synonyms
consider, regard, look on, see, perceive, judge, adjudge, estimate, deem, reckon, think of, treat
Phrases
in full view
in view
in view of
on view
with a view to
Origin
Middle English: from Anglo-Norman French vieue, feminine past participle of veoir 'see', from Latin videre. The verb dates from the early 16th century.
View goes back to Latin videre ‘to see’. Review (Late Middle English), first recorded as a noun denoting a formal inspection of military or naval forces, is literally a re-viewing. Video [1930s] is the Latin for ‘I see’ just as audio is the Latin for ‘I hear’. Visa (mid 19th century), evidence that your right to enter a country has been checked, is a shortening of Latin charta visa literally ‘seen paper’.