as·pect

/ˈæˌspɛkt/ noun, pl -pects

1 [count] : a part of something

Our proposal differs from theirs in one important aspect. [=respect]

— usually + of

Their religion affects almost/nearly/virtually every aspect [=facet] of their lives.

Eating healthy foods is only/just one aspect [=part] of a healthy lifestyle.

Nobody has discussed the most important aspect of the problem.

Computers now influence all aspects of American life.

2 formal : the way a person, place, or thing appears

[singular]

The old house took on a dark and lonely aspect [=appearance] at night.

[noncount]

Their gods are primarily human in aspect. [=they look like humans]

3 [singular] formal : the direction that something (such as a room or building) faces or points towards

The house has a southern aspect. [=a southern exposure; the front of the house faces the south]

— sometimes used figuratively

We studied the situation from every aspect. [=angle]

4 grammar : the characteristic of a verb that expresses the way an action happens

◇ A verb's aspect shows whether an action happens one time and stops quickly, happens repeatedly, or happens continuously.

[count]

The aspect of “sit” in “please sit down now” is different from the aspect of “sitting” in “I was sitting at my desk.”

[noncount]

two verb forms differing in aspect