Vistas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A collection of extensive views that showcase striking scenery and natural beauty across varying terrains or landscapes
2. A group of wide-ranging perspectives that highlight scenic beauty and diverse landscapes while inviting contemplation
3. Expansive scenes offering clear and broad views of natural landscapes or urban settings

Etymology: "Vistas" is the plural of "vista," so it's worth knowing where the singular came from. English borrowed "vista" from Italian, where it meant "view" or "sight." Italian formed it from "visto," the past participle of "vedere," meaning "to see," which descends from Latin "videre," the same root that gives English words like "vision," "video," and "visa." The Italian noun carried the idea of seeing, but also of a prospect opening up before the eye, which is why the English sense narrowed toward a long, wide outlook across landscape. The Latin root keeps its sense of sight through the family: a visa is literally something that has been seen and endorsed, and a vision is what the eye takes in.

Synonyms: views, sceneries, landscapes