as|pect

as|pect «AS pehkt», noun.

1. one side or part or view (of a subject); one of the ways in which a subject or situation may be looked at or thought about: »

We must consider each aspect of this plan before we decide.

2. the way in which an object appears to the eye; look; appearance: »

the aspect of the countryside.

SYNONYM(S): See syn. under appearance. (Cf. ↑appearance)

3. facial expression; countenance: »

The judge has a solemn aspect.

SYNONYM(S): mien, air.

4. the particular direction anything faces or is exposed to: »

The house has a sunny southern aspect.

SYNONYM(S): exposure.

5. the side fronting or facing in a given direction: »

The southern aspect of the house is the warmest in winter.

6. a) Astronomy. the relative position of a planet with respect to another planet, the sun, or the moon, as seen from Earth. b) Astrology. the relative positions of the heavenly bodies, especially planets, as determining their supposed influence upon human affairs.

7. Grammar. a) any one of several categories of verb forms in some languages which express action or state as beginning, ending, continuing, or being repeated, rather than indicating time, as does a tense form. For example in such a language, the inceptive aspect of a verb “to strike” might mean “he begins, began, or will begin to strike.” b) the meaning expressed by such a category. c) (in languages without such forms) a similar meaning otherwise expressed. d) such categories or their meanings, taken collectively.

8. the position, or presentation, of a plane surface relative to a fluid or gas through which it moves.

9. Obsolete. the act of looking at anything; contemplation; gaze.

╂[< Latin aspectus < aspicere look at < ad- at + specere look]