Vantagepoint

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A place or situation that provides a superior view or strategic advantage over surroundings
2. An arrangement or location that allows the observer to see more clearly or gain a competitive edge
3. A position that offers the best possible observation or advantage in a given context

Etymology: "Vantage point" is the standard form, and the closed spelling "vantagepoint" is a variant of it. The phrase is a compound of "vantage" and "point," and each part carries its own history. "Point" comes from Latin "punctum," a pricked spot, which passed through Old French into English. "Vantage" comes from Old French "avantage," meaning advantage, and the first element "vant-" was once the same as "avant," which is "before." Put together, the phrase literally describes a spot placed in front, where the view is unobstructed and a person can see ahead. The sense of an advantageous position for observation came out of that literal picture. A height or a location that lets someone look over an area gives them an edge over those who cannot, and the figurative use of "advantage" in English blended neatly with the concrete idea of a place to stand. The result is a term that began as a plain description of a physical spot and grew into a way of talking about any favorable perspective.