line of site: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumTechnical/Everyday
Quick answer
What does “line of site” mean?
An unobstructed straight line between an observer and an object being viewed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An unobstructed straight line between an observer and an object being viewed.
Direct visual contact; used metaphorically for clear understanding or direct communication between parties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and usage are identical. No significant regional variation in meaning or application.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American technical/military discourse, but negligible difference.
Grammar
How to Use “line of site” in a Sentence
[Subject] + have/maintain/require + a + (adj) + line of sight + to/with + [Object]There is + a + line of sight + between + [A] + and + [B]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “line of site” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The antenna must be sighted to the transmitter.
- Can you sight the target from here?
American English
- We need to sight-in the rifle.
- The surveyor sighted along the line.
adjective
British English
- It's a line-of-sight link.
- We're dealing with line-of-sight propagation issues.
American English
- The system uses line-of-sight technology.
- We have a line-of-sight problem.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The manager needs a direct line of sight to the project's financial risks." (Metaphorical for clear oversight)
Academic
"The experiment required a clear line of sight between the laser and the sensor."
Everyday
"Move that vase, it's blocking my line of sight to the television."
Technical
"Satellite communication often does not require a terrestrial line of sight."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “line of site”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “line of site”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “line of site”
- Misspelling as 'line of site'.
- Using it to mean 'area of responsibility' (confusion with 'line of business').
- Using without 'a' or 'the' where an article is needed (e.g., 'We need line of sight').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Line of sight' is the correct phrase, relating to vision. 'Line of site' is a common misspelling, though it could theoretically refer to a boundary on a piece of land ('site').
No. While its core meaning is physical, it is frequently used metaphorically in business and management to mean clear understanding or direct oversight of processes and goals.
Yes, often hyphenated as 'line-of-sight' before a noun, e.g., 'line-of-sight communication', meaning communication that requires a direct visual path.
It is standard English. It is technical in contexts like physics, telecommunications, or military, but neutral and common in everyday language when discussing a clear view.
An unobstructed straight line between an observer and an object being viewed.
Line of site: 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 focused on or responsible for).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
You need SIGHT to SEE a LINE of SIGHT. Remember: 'I' for 'eye' in 'sight'.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING/COMMUNICATION IS SEEING (e.g., 'I don't see your point' -> 'We need a clear line of sight on this issue').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'line of sight'?