noun

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

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."

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."

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 notes

In 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.

Memory tip

Say 'from my point of view', not 'in my point of view'.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

opinion → perspective → viewpoint → POV →

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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Can you complete this real example?

From a parent's _____, the new timetable is a nightmare.

Etymology

Calque of French point de vue.

Origin: French

Synonyms

View more →

viewpoint perspective standpoint opinion outlook narrative perspective narrative voice POV POV shot first-person view

Related words

thought fact position view feeling opinion advice comment

Rhymes for point of view

view review purview preview overview rearview Fairview interview worldview Grandview

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.

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