aspect
Pluralaspects
Pluralaspects
Formsaspects, aspecting, aspected
- 1One part or side of something, like a problem, plan, or idea.
Like one piece of a puzzle: each piece is a small part of the whole picture.
Safety is the most important aspect of the new playground design.
We talked about every aspect of the trip before we left.
UsageSay an aspect of something.
- 2How something looks or seems when you think about it in a certain way.
Seen in this light, the plan takes on a more hopeful aspect.
Once we heard the whole story, the problem took on a new aspect.
UsageSay something takes on a new aspect.
Similarlight, complexion, angle
Note
- 3The way someone or something looks.
From the river, the castle shows a darker, taller aspect than it does from town.
The mountain's aspect changes when you drive around to its north side.
Similarappearance, look, view
Note
Less common meanings
- 4The direction a building or piece of land faces, or the view from it.
Our kitchen window has a southern aspect, so it gets sun all day.
The farmer chose the field with the best aspect for growing grapes.
UsageSay a house has a southern aspect: it faces south.
Similarorientation, exposure, outlook
- 5A quality of a verb that shows whether an action is finished, still going on, or repeated.
Like the difference between a photo of a finished race and a video of the race still happening.
Our teacher said the verb's aspect shows whether the action is finished or still happening.
English uses '-ing' to show one aspect and 'have' with a verb to show another.
Note
- 6In astrology, the position of planets compared with each other, as seen from Earth.
The astrologer said the aspect between Mars and Venus was good for love.
Her birth chart shows a difficult aspect between the moon and Saturn.
Note
- 7One of the forms a god can take, showing one part of its power or character.
Like one actor who plays many roles: each role shows a different side of the same person.
People prayed to the goddess in her aspect as a kind mother.
In Hindu belief, Kali is one aspect of the great goddess.
UsageSay an aspect of a god.
Similarmanifestation, form, guise
Note
- 8The act of looking steadily at someone or something.
The tradition is no less ancient, that the basilisk killeth by aspect ; and that the wolf, if he see a man first, by aspect striketh a man hoarse.
1627, Francis [Bacon], Sylua SyluarumHere, aspect means a look, the act of turning the eyes on someone.Note
- 9To look at someone or something.
Note
- 10In astrology, to make a special angle with another planet or star in a chart.
- 11What a railroad signal shows a train driver, such as a red, yellow, or green light, or a signal arm's position.
- 12A part of a computer program that adds one job, like keeping records, to many other parts at once.
- 13To let a god or goddess speak and act through you during a ceremony.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
From Latin aspectus, meaning 'look' or 'appearance', from a word meaning 'to look at'.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 3 facts
- Aspect derives from Latin aspectus. en.wiktionary.org
- Latin aspectus means 'look' or 'appearance'. en.wiktionary.org
- Aspectus derives from a word meaning 'to look at'. en.wiktionary.org