- 1 [countable] a personal opinion about something; an attitude towards something to have different/conflicting/opposing views to have strong political views view (about/on something) His views on the subject were well known. This evidence supports the view that there is too much violence on television. We take the view that it would be wrong to interfere. In my view it was a waste of time. What is needed is a frank exchange of views. see also point of view Language Bankaccording toReporting someone’s opinion Photography is, according to Vidal, the art form of untalented people. For Vidal, photography is the art form of untalented people. His view is that photography is not art but merely the mechanical reproduction of images. Smith takes the view that photography is both an art and a science. In Brown’s view, photography should be treated as a legitimate art in its own right. James is of the opinion that a good painter can always be a good photographer if he or she so decides. Emerson believed that a photograph should only reflect what the human eye can see. Language BankopinionGiving your personal opinion In my opinion, everyone should have some understanding of science. Everyone should, in my opinion, have some understanding of science. It seems to me that many people in this country have a poor understanding of science. This is, in my view, the result of a failure of the scientific community to get its message across. Another reason why so many people have such a poor understanding of science is, I believe, the lack of adequate funding for science in schools. Smith argues that science is separate from culture. My own view is that science belongs with literature, art, philosophy and religion as an integral part of our culture. In this writer’s opinion, the more the public know about science, the less they will fear and distrust it. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivecurrent, prevailing, general, … verb + viewhave, hold, adopt, … view + verbprevail, reflect something, differ (from something), … prepositionaccording to view, in your view, view about, … phrasesan exchange of views, a point of view, take a dim view of something, … See full entry way of understanding
- 2 [singular] view (of something) a way of understanding or thinking about something He has an optimistic view of life. the Christian view of the world The traditional view was that marriage was meant to last. The book gives readers an inside view of political life. Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivecurrent, prevailing, general, … verb + viewhave, hold, adopt, … view + verbprevail, reflect something, differ (from something), … prepositionaccording to view, in your view, view about, … phrasesan exchange of views, a point of view, take a dim view of something, … See full entry see also world view what you can see
- 3 [uncountable, singular] used when you are talking about whether you can see something or whether something can be seen in a particular situation The lake soon came into view. The sun disappeared from view. There was nobody in view. Sit down—you're blocking my view. I didn't have a good view of the stage. Synonymssightview visionThese are all words for the area or distance that you can see from a particular position.sight the area or distance that you can see from a particular position:He looked up the street, but there was no one in sight. Leave any valuables in your car out of sight.view (rather formal) the area or distance that you can see from a particular position:The lake soon came into view.vision the area that you can see from a particular position:The couple moved outside her field of vision (= total area you can see from a particular position).sight, view or vision? View is more literary than sight or vision. It is the only word for talking about how well you can see:I didn’t have a good sight/vision of the stage. Vision must always be used with a possessive pronoun:my/his/her etc. (field of) vision. It is not used with the prepositions in, into and out of that are very frequent with sight and view:There was nobody in vision. A tall figure came into vision.Patterns in/out of sight/view in/within sight/view of something to come into/disappear from sight/view/somebody’s vision to come in sight/view of somebody/something to block somebody’s view/vision somebody’s line of sight/vision somebody’s field of view/vision Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivegood, grandstand, wonderful, … verb + viewget, have, give somebody, … prepositionin view, on view phrasesin full view (of something), in plain view (of something) See full entry
- 4 [countable] what you can see from a particular place or position, especially beautiful countryside There were magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The view from the top of the tower was spectacular. a sea/mountain view I'd like a room with a view. Synonymsviewsight scene panoramaThese are all words for a thing that you can see, especially from a particular place.view what you can see from a particular place or position, especially beautiful natural scenery:The cottage had a delightful sea view.sight a thing that you see or can see, especially something that is impressive or unusual:It’s a spectacular sight as the flamingos lift into the air.scene a view that you see, especially one with people and/or animals moving about and doing things:It was a delightful rural scene.panorama a view of a wide area of land:The tower offers a breathtaking panorama of Prague.Patterns a view/panorama of something a beautiful/breathtaking view/sight/scene/panorama a magnificent/spectacular view/sight/panorama to take in the view/sight/scene to admire the view/sight Oxford Collocations Dictionary adjectivebreathtaking, fine, lovely, … verb + viewafford, boast, command, … prepositionview across, view over, view from, … phrasesa room with a view See full entry See related entries: Hobbies photograph/picture
- 5[countable] a photograph or picture that shows an interesting place or scene a book with views of Paris chance to see something
- 6(also viewing) [countable] a special chance to see or admire something a private view (= for example, of an art exhibition) See related entries: The art world online
- 7[countable] an occasion when a video is watched online His performance went viral, attracting over 8 million views on YouTube. Word OriginMiddle English: from Anglo-Norman French vieue, feminine past participle of veoir ‘see’, from Latin videre. The verb dates from the early 16th cent.Extra examples A woman in a very large hat was blocking my view of the parade. According to this view, economic growth occurs in protracted spurts. After his experience in jail, he has a pretty jaundiced view of the penal system. At the meeting, we hope people will exchange views freely. Experts hold widely differing views on this subject. From a teacher’s point of view, activities that can be done with minimal preparation are invaluable. He called a meeting to solicit the views of his staff. He has a very distorted view of life in general. He never imposes his own view on others. He’s a doctor with clear views on how to prevent illness. Her rosy view of life abroad seems rather naive. His letter to the management did not reflect the views of his colleagues. His music challenges the view that modern jazz is inaccessible. His view was echoed by industry experts. His views reflected those of the political leaders. His world view revolves around a battle between rich and poor. I took the view that an exception should be made in this case. In my view it was a waste of time. It’s good to have a full and frank exchange of views. It’s important to respect other people’s views. It’s well worth considering alternative views. Many Americans have a favourable/favorable view of the Democratic nominee. Maybe he’ll revise his views on that a little. Most rooms enjoy panoramic views of the ocean. My mother takes a pretty dim view of my cooking skills. Nothing indicates that his views have changed. On his visits he painted views of the town and the surrounding countryside. She picked up the phone and made her views known to her boss. So which view is correct? Teachers generally keep their views about politics hidden. Tensions within the band remained hidden from public view. The Reagan view differed radically. The author’s personal views are pretty clear. The carriage was put on view for the public to see. The conventional view is that work is pleasant and rewarding. The debate brings together experts with conflicting views. The experience changed my view of myself. The large windows give fine views of the surrounding countryside. The meeting gave everyone the chance to air their views. The patio gave an unimpeded view across the headland to the sea. The picture shows a front view of the car. The pillar prevented me getting a clear view of the action. The prevailing view is that he has done a good job in difficult circumstances. The staff handbook gives an overall view of the company. Their research is consistent with the views expressed in this paper. There was nobody in view. They based this view on studies done in the 1990s. They stood waving on the platform, until the train disappeared from view. This view prevailed in medical writing for many years. We had a poor view of the stage from where we were sitting. We take a long-term view of the business. a balanced view of the subject a place to unwind and enjoy the view a room with a breathtaking view across the bay a view over the valley the experiences which shape our view of the world the view from his apartment He holds extreme right-wing views. He takes a dim view of divorce. I didn’t have a good view of the stage. I’d be interested to hear your views about the proposal. I’d like a room with a view, please. Ms Short put forward the view that the whole thing would be extremely costly. Sit down—you’re blocking my view. The Christian world view is based on the Bible. The book gives readers an inside view of political life. The cottage had a delightful sea view. The forum should give ordinary people the chance to air their views on the matter. The knife was in plain view on the kitchen table. The lake soon came into view. The latest evidence supports the view that most TV news is biased. The sun disappeared from view. The traditional view was that marriage was for life. The two leaders had what they described as ‘a full and frank exchange of views’. This view is not shared by everyone. We have widely differing views on how to raise children. We know little about her political views. We’re going to a private view tomorrow night—it’s landscapes by that Cornish artist.Idioms
opinion
a view of something from a high position looking down From the plane we had a bird’s eye view of Manhattan.
(formal) to have a particular aim, plan, etc. in your mind synonym have somebody/something in mind He wanted to make money and went abroad with this end in view.
(formal) (especially of ships) to appear, especially when moving gradually closer from a long way off A ship hove into sight. Like a galleon in full sail, Cara hove into view. Hove is usually used for the past tense and past participle in this idiom. See related entries: Travelling by boat or ship
completely visible, directly in front of somebody/something He was shot in full view of a large crowd.
(formal) considering something In view of the weather, the event will now be held indoors. being shown in a public place so that people can look at it The new discoveries will be on view in London in the spring.
to disapprove of somebody/something; to not have a good opinion of somebody/something She took a dim view of my suggestion.
to consider what is likely to happen or be important over a long period of time rather than only considering the present situation As pension funds are investing for members’ retirements, they can take the long view.
(formal) with the intention or hope of doing something He's painting the house with a view to selling it.
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