Sightline: meaning, definitions and examples

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sightline

 

[ ˈsaɪtˌlaɪn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in architecture

An uninterrupted line of sight in a building or landscape, especially one that is designed to provide a specific view or perspective.

Synonyms

line of sight, viewing angle, visual pathway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sightline

This term is often used in architecture, urban planning, and theater design. It refers to the clear and unobstructed line of sight from a specific point to an object or area of interest.

  • The seat has a great sightline to the stage.
  • The architect designed the building with optimal sightlines to the city skyline.
line of sight

Commonly used in everyday language, this term describes the imaginary straight line along which an observer has an unobstructed view of an object. It is also widely used in fields like telecommunications and military.

  • Make sure there are no obstacles in your line of sight.
  • The radio antenna must have a clear line of sight to the receiver.
viewing angle

This term is generally used in the context of screens, monitors, and visual displays. It describes the angle at which a screen can be viewed clearly without distortion.

  • This TV has a wide viewing angle, so you can see the picture clearly from any seat in the room.
  • The monitor's viewing angle is not suitable for shared viewing.
visual pathway

Mostly used in the field of medicine and neuroscience, it refers to the route that visual information takes from the eyes to the brain.

  • Damage to the visual pathway can result in partial or complete blindness.
  • Neuroscientists are studying the visual pathways to better understand how we see and process information.

Examples of usage

  • The architect carefully planned the sightlines in the museum to ensure visitors could see the artwork from every angle.
  • The sightline from the bedroom window offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
Context #2 | Noun

in theater

A line from the stage to the audience that ensures clear visibility for the performers and the viewers.

Synonyms

audience view, clear line of sight, visibility line.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sightline

Use this term in architecture, theater design, or any field involving visual perspectives to describe an unobstructed view from one point to another.

  • The architect ensured a perfect sightline from the living room to the garden.
  • In theater design, good sightlines are essential so all audience members can see the stage clearly.
visibility line

This phrase is commonly used in navigation, construction, and safety contexts to describe the distance or path that is visible, highlighting the importance of clear visibility.

  • The construction workers secured the site to ensure a clear visibility line for the crane operator.
  • Fog reduced the visibility line, making driving conditions dangerous.
audience view

This phrase is appropriate when discussing the viewing experience of an audience in a theater, concert hall, or any live event venue.

  • Adjusting the seating arrangement improved the audience view drastically.
  • The director considered the audience view carefully when designing the stage props.
clear line of sight

This term is often used in both everyday conversation and technical fields like telecommunications or security to indicate an unobstructed view or path.

  • Make sure there is a clear line of sight between the cameras for optimal surveillance.
  • The pilot reported having a clear line of sight to the runway.

Examples of usage

  • The director adjusted the actors' positions to improve the sightlines for the audience.
  • Good sightlines are crucial for a successful theater performance.

Translations

Translations of the word "sightline" in other languages:

🇵🇹 linha de visão

🇮🇳 दृष्टि रेखा

🇩🇪 Sichtlinie

🇮🇩 garis pandang

🇺🇦 лінія зору

🇵🇱 linia wzroku

🇯🇵 視線

🇫🇷 ligne de vue

🇪🇸 línea de visión

🇹🇷 görüş hattı

🇰🇷 시선

🇸🇦 خط الرؤية

🇨🇿 zorná čára

🇸🇰 zorná línia

🇨🇳 视线

🇸🇮 vidna črta

🇮🇸 sjónlína

🇰🇿 көру сызығы

🇬🇪 ხედვის ხაზი

🇦🇿 görmə xətti

🇲🇽 línea de visión

Etymology

The term 'sightline' originated in the late 19th century, combining 'sight' (the faculty or power of seeing) with 'line' (a long, narrow mark or band). It first appeared in architectural contexts to describe the visual connections within a space. Over time, the concept of sightlines expanded to include theater and other fields where clear visibility is essential.

See also: foresight, insight, nearsighted, oversight, sight, sighting, sightless, sights, sightseeing, sightseer, unsightliness, unsightly.