point of view
point uhv VYOO
Point of view (noun) means the particular way a person thinks about or judges something, shaped by their own position, experience or interests. Example: “From a parent's point of view, the new timetable is a nightmare.”
noun
1
The particular way a person thinks about or judges something, shaped by their own position, experience or interests.
"From a parent's point of view, the new timetable is a nightmare."
"Try to see the argument from her point of view before you reply."
2
In a story, the position from which events are narrated — first person, second person, third person limited or third person omniscient.
"The novel switches point of view between the two sisters in alternating chapters."
"Choosing first-person point of view lets the reader hear the narrator's excuses."
3
In film, photography and video, a shot or clip filmed as though seen through a character's own eyes.
"The chase is shot entirely from the driver's point of view."
How to use point of view
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow someone sees or tells about something.
When to use it
Neutral in all three senses; the abbreviation POV is informal and dominates social media, where it labels a clip filmed as if the viewer were there.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
from my point of view
a different point of view
first-person point of view
see it from his point of view
point of view shot
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From a parent's _____, the new timetable is a nightmare.
Etymology
A calque of French point de vue.
Synonyms
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viewpoint
perspective
standpoint
opinion
outlook
narrative perspective
narrative voice
POV
POV shot
first-person view
Related words
Rhymes for point of view
See all rhymes for point of view →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between point of view and perspective?
In everyday English they overlap almost completely and either will do. In literary study they are distinguished: point of view is the grammatical position the story is told from (first person, third person), while perspective is the particular set of attitudes and knowledge that colours what the narrator notices.
What are the four points of view in writing?
First person, where a character narrates using 'I'; second person, which addresses the reader as 'you'; third person limited, which follows one character's thoughts using 'he' or 'she'; and third person omniscient, where the narrator knows everything about everyone.
What does POV mean on TikTok and Instagram?
On social media POV labels a clip staged as if the camera were the viewer's own eyes, so you experience the scene as a participant. It is often used loosely for any 'imagine you are here' set-up, even when the shot is not literally first-person.
What is the meaning of point of view?
"point of view" (noun) means the particular way a person thinks about or judges something, shaped by their own position, experience or interests.
