line of vision: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to MediumFormal, Technical (Optics, Ergonomics), Literary
Quick answer
What does “line of vision” mean?
The straight path from an observer's eye to the object they are looking at.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The straight path from an observer's eye to the object they are looking at; the field within which objects are visible.
Used metaphorically to refer to the focus of one's attention, scrutiny, or awareness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both 'line of vision' and 'line of sight' are used in both varieties. 'Line of sight' is more common in general and technical American English. In British English, 'line of vision' is slightly more frequent in formal writing.
Connotations
Similar technical connotation in both. 'Line of vision' can sound slightly more formal or literary.
Frequency
Overall, 'line of sight' is significantly more frequent than 'line of vision' in both varieties, especially in technical and military contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “line of vision” in a Sentence
The [object] was in/out of her line of vision.He moved to get a better line of vision.A tall building blocked their line of vision.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in office design (e.g., 'Workstations should be arranged so managers have a clear line of vision to the entrance.')
Academic
Used in psychology, optics, and ergonomics research (e.g., 'The study tracked changes in the subject's line of vision during the task.')
Everyday
Used descriptively (e.g., 'The lamp post was right in my line of vision, so I couldn't see the car.')
Technical
Precise term in optics, surveying, and military contexts (e.g., 'The laser must maintain an unobstructed line of vision to the receiver.')
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “line of vision”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “line of vision”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “line of vision”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'I line of vision the tower'). It's only a noun phrase.
- Confusing it with 'point of view' (which is about opinion).
- Misspelling as 'line of vison' or 'line of vizion'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most contexts, yes, they are synonyms. 'Line of sight' is more common, especially in technical and military language. 'Line of vision' can sound slightly more formal or literary.
No. That is 'point of view'. 'Line of vision' is strictly about the physical or metaphorical path of sight/attention.
It's not extremely common in casual speech. People often say 'I can't see' or 'It's in the way'. It's more frequent in formal, descriptive, or technical writing.
Use it as the subject or object of a sentence, often with prepositions like 'in', 'out of', 'block', or 'obstruct'. E.g., 'The pillar is in my line of vision.'
The straight path from an observer's eye to the object they are looking at.
Line of vision is usually formal, technical (optics, ergonomics), literary in register.
Line of vision: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlaɪn əv ˈvɪʒ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlaɪn əv ˈvɪʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To come/fade into/out of one's line of vision.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine drawing a straight LINE from your eye (VISION) to the object you're looking at.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTENTION/UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING (e.g., 'I see what you mean'); thus, 'line of vision' can metaphorically be a line of understanding or focus.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'line of vision' LEAST likely to be used?