field of view: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “field of view” mean?
The total observable area or extent that can be seen at one time from a fixed position, typically through an optical device or with the eyes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The total observable area or extent that can be seen at one time from a fixed position, typically through an optical device or with the eyes.
The range or scope of perception, consideration, knowledge, or interest of an individual, system, or discipline.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is identical in both dialects.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both contexts.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in technical contexts (military, photography, gaming, VR, science). Slightly less common in everyday UK English than US due to US prevalence in tech/gaming media.
Grammar
How to Use “field of view” in a Sentence
in [one's/its] field of viewoutside [one's/its] field of viewenter/leave the field of viewexpand/widen the field of viewVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “field of view” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The pilot had to field-of-view scan the entire area for the distress signal. (rare, technical)
American English
- The system automatically fields of view the target. (rare, technical)
adverb
British English
- The camera captures images field-of-view widely. (highly unnatural, not standard)
American English
- Not used adverbially.
adjective
British English
- The field-of-view measurement was critical for the lens specification.
American English
- We need the field-of-view data for the head-up display.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to market awareness or strategic scope, e.g., 'That trend is outside our current field of view.'
Academic
Used in optics, psychology (visual perception), robotics, and art history. Precise and defined.
Everyday
Used when discussing cameras, binoculars, video games, or driving. 'The cyclist entered my field of view too late.'
Technical
A defined, measurable parameter in optics, photography, display technology, and simulation systems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “field of view”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “field of view”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “field of view”
- Using 'point of view' (opinion) instead of 'field of view' (what is seen). Confusing singular/plural: 'fields of view' (correct for multiple devices/situations).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Field of view' is what you can see (the extent). 'Point of view' is your perspective or opinion (the position from which you see it).
Yes, metaphorically. E.g., 'The report expands our field of view on climate economics.' It means scope of knowledge or consideration.
The common abbreviation is FOV, used extensively in technical manuals, photography, and gaming settings.
They are often synonymous in general use. 'Field of vision' leans slightly more towards biological/medical contexts (eye physiology), while 'field of view' is preferred in technology (cameras, displays).
The total observable area or extent that can be seen at one time from a fixed position, typically through an optical device or with the eyes.
Field of view is usually formal, technical in register.
Field of view: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfiːld əv ˈvjuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfild əv ˈvju/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to be/go/remain] in/out of the picture”
- “in plain sight”
- “out of sight, out of mind (conceptual antonym)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a farmer's FIELD that you can VIEW from your window. That visible patch of land is your 'field of view'.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING/SEEING IS A CONTAINER or A REGION ('within our field of view'). ATTENTION IS A VISUAL FIELD.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'field of view' used most literally?