Noun

Singular view

Plural views

view (plural views)

1. The act of seeing or looking at something.

   He changed seat to get a complete view of the stage.

2. The range of vision.

   If there are any rabbits in this park, they keep carefully out of our view.

3. Something to look at, such as a scenery.

   My flat has a view of a junkyard.

4. A picture.

   There was a view of the accident site on the front page.

5. A mental image.

   I need more information to get a better view of the situation.

6. A way of understanding something, an opinion, a theory.

   Your view on evolution is based on religion, not on scientific findings.

7. A point of view.

   From my view that is a stupid proposition.

8. An intention or prospect.

   I gave you the money with the view that you would invest it wisely.

9. (computing, databases) A virtual or logical table composed of the result set of a query in relational databases.
10. (computing, programming) The part of a computer program which is visible to the user, the part the user interacts with; a user interface to the underlying logic of the program.

Antonyms

• (part of computer program): model, controller

Derived terms

• angle of view
• bankruptcy view
• bird's-eye view
• by-view
• clear view screen
• counterview
• exploded view
• field of view
• in full view
• in view of
• out of view
• page view

• pay-per-view
• point of view
• rear-view
• viewable
• view angle
• view camera
• viewfinder/view finder
• viewgraph
• viewless
• viewpoint
• viewy
• worldview/world-view/world view
• worm's-eye view/worm's eye view

Related terms

• interview
• preview
• review
• overview

A view is what can be seen in a range of vision. View may also be used as a synonym of point of view in the first sense. View may also be used figuratively or with special significance—for example, to imply a scenic outlook or significant vantage point:

The barrier Rhine hath flashed, through battle-smoke,

On men who gaze heart-smitten by the view,

As if all Germany had felt the shock!

- from The Germans on the Heights of Hochheim (1816) by William Wordsworth

Law

Laws or regulations in various jurisdictions may protect a view as an easement, preventing property owners from constructing buildings that would block the view from another location. For example, planning regulations in London protect the view of various historical buildings, such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster.

Presenting a view in art

Click to enlarge images, for full appreciation of the effects described:

A bright view, heavily-framed or observed as through a tunnel, can appear jewel-like and allows appreciation of composition

The same view with narrower frame involves the viewer more in the lines of movement in the scene

A wide panorama view gives a sense of immersion in the scene