aspect
AS-pehkt
Aspect (noun) means a particular feature or part of something being considered. Example: “We need to look at every aspect of the proposal before deciding.”
noun
1
A particular feature or part of something being considered.
"We need to look at every aspect of the proposal before deciding."
"Cost is just one aspect of the decision."
"The most difficult aspect of the job is the early start."
2
The way something looks, or the direction it faces.
"The house has a lovely south-facing aspect over the valley."
"The flat has a sunny aspect, so the living room is bright all day."
"From the road, the old farmhouse had a gloomy aspect."
3
(grammar) A property of a verb that shows how an action relates to time — for example, whether it's ongoing, completed, or repeated.
""Was running" shows continuous aspect, while "ran" shows simple aspect."
"The perfect aspect shows that an action is completed relative to another time."
"Learners often find aspect hard in verb forms such as "has been waiting"."
How to use aspect
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA single feature, angle, or facing direction of something being looked at or discussed.
Common pairings
every aspect of
a key aspect
south-facing aspect
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Word forms
- Plural
- aspects
- Third person singular
- aspects
- Past tense
- aspected
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
We need to look at every _____ of the proposal before deciding.
Etymology
From Latin aspectus, "a look or appearance," from a verb meaning "to look at."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “aspect” mean?
The word “aspect” means a particular feature or part of something being considered. In plain terms, a single feature, angle, or facing direction of something being looked at or discussed.
How do you pronounce “aspect”?
“Aspect” is pronounced AS-pehkt (/ˈæspɛkt/ in IPA).
How do you use “aspect” in a sentence?
Here is “aspect” used in a sentence: “We need to look at every aspect of the proposal before deciding.”
What part of speech is “aspect”?
“Aspect” is a noun.
Where does the word “aspect” come from?
The word “aspect” comes from Latin. From Latin aspectus, "a look or appearance," from a verb meaning "to look at.".
Is “aspect” a common word?
“Aspect” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “aspect” have?
“Aspect” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a particular feature or part of something being considered.
What is the difference between an aspect and a feature?
The two overlap, but an aspect is a way of looking at something — one side or angle among many when you consider it. A feature is a distinct, often noticeable characteristic or part. You examine different aspects of a problem, whereas a product or place has specific features.
What is an example of an aspect?
If you are weighing up a new job, its aspects might include the salary, the hours, the commute, and the people you would work with — each a different part to consider. Saying "the financial aspect" simply focuses attention on one particular side of the whole situation.
What is the difference between an aspect and a factor?
An aspect is a part or side of something that you examine. A factor is something that actively influences or contributes to a result. Cost is an aspect of a decision you consider, but cost can also be a factor that affects the outcome. Aspects are viewed; factors cause things to happen.
Does aspect have other meanings?
Yes. Besides a feature to consider, "aspect" can mean the appearance or look of something, as in "a building with a grand aspect." In grammar, aspect describes how an action unfolds over time. In geography, a slope's aspect is the direction it faces. Context decides which sense applies.
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