line of sight: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to Technical
Quick answer
What does “line of sight” mean?
An unobstructed straight line between an observer and a target or point of focus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An unobstructed straight line between an observer and a target or point of focus.
Used in technology (e.g., wireless communication, radar) to describe an unobstructed path for signals, or metaphorically in business/planning to mean direct oversight or understanding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and usage are identical. Hyphenation when used attributively (line-of-sight) is common in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical technical and literal meanings.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American technical/military discourse due to volume of publications.
Grammar
How to Use “line of sight” in a Sentence
have + line of sight + to + OBJECTbe + in + line of sight + of + OBJECTmaintain + line of sight + with + OBJECTVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “line of sight” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to sight the line for the survey.
American English
- The sniper lined up the shot.
adjective
British English
- We installed a line-of-sight radio link.
American English
- It's a line-of-sight transmission system.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in project management to indicate direct oversight or clear understanding of goals: 'The team lost the line of sight to the project objectives.'
Academic
Used in physics, engineering, and environmental science to describe propagation of light or waves.
Everyday
Used literally for visibility: 'I couldn't see the stage because a tall person was in my line of sight.'
Technical
Critical in telecommunications, military targeting, and aviation: 'The satellite dish requires a clear line of sight to the satellite.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “line of sight”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “line of sight”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “line of sight”
- Using 'line of vision' interchangeably (less common, more medical). Spelling as 'line of site' (incorrect; 'site' is a location).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while the core meaning is visual, it is extensively used in technology for radio, laser, or signal paths, and metaphorically in business for clarity of understanding or responsibility.
When used as a compound modifier before a noun (attributively), it is usually hyphenated: 'line-of-sight principles'. When used as a noun phrase, it is not: 'We have line of sight.'
'Line of sight' is a specific, narrow, straight line. 'Field of view' is the entire area visible from a point, like a wide angle. A tree can be in your field of view but not in your direct line of sight if it's behind something else.
Not standardly. The phrase itself is a noun phrase. However, related verbs like 'sight' (to aim) or 'align' are used in similar contexts.
An unobstructed straight line between an observer and a target or point of focus.
Line of sight is usually neutral to technical in register.
Line of sight: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlaɪn əv ˈsaɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlaɪn əv ˈsaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In my line of sight (figurative: something I am focusing on or responsible for).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a LASER pointer. If you can draw a straight, unblocked line from the pointer to the dot on the wall with your mind's eye, that's your LINE OF SIGHT.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING (e.g., 'I don't have a clear line of sight on that issue' means I don't fully understand it).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'line of sight' used metaphorically?