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Glite Dictionary
through a different lens

through a different lens

1 5.1
See something in a new way to understand it better
  • idiom
translation icon : desde una perspectiva diferente
  • By discussing the issue with others, you might learn to see it through a different lens.
  • see things through a different lens
  • view life through a different lens

Are we all supposed to be looking at beige flags through a different lens?

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Examples

  • Ask yourself: what is it that you fear in seeing the world through a different lens?

    Blog text (6)

  • What has happened, however, is that Hilary has come to see the conflict through a different lens, one influenced by Basil and Sirmium 357, and Athanasius now plays no role in this new vision. IV.

    Academic text (2007)

  • Many artists express their feelings through a different lens in their work by using unique perspectives.

  • The documentary encourages viewers to look at social justice through a different lens to gain a deeper understanding.

Synonyms

perspective
vsthrough a different lens
997 4.1

A way of thinking shaped by your beliefs or experiences

is any usual way of thinking rather than stressing a changed stance
point of view
vsthrough a different lens
514 3.7

A way someone thinks about something, for example legally or personally

emphasizes adopting a changed way of seeing rather than a single fixed position
viewpoint
vsthrough a different lens
129 4.1

A person's way of thinking about something

focuses on a fixed mental position rather than adopting a changed stance
different angle
vsthrough a different lens
15 3.7

A new way of looking at something

is about looking at matters in a changed way
through the lens of
vsthrough a different lens
10 6.0

Looking at something from a certain point of view

focuses on adopting a changed approach rather than a single background
fresh perspective
vsthrough a different lens
9 4.0

A new way of looking at something that helps you see it differently

emphasizes a changed outlook rather than pure originality
in a new light
vsthrough a different lens
5 4.1

Seen in a different way that shows new sides

is about changing how something is seen rather than revealing facts
from various angles
vsthrough a different lens
1 3.0

In different ways or from different points of view

looks for many standpoints rather than focusing on one changed stance
lens of experience
vsthrough a different lens
6.6

A way of looking at things based on past experiences

relies on prior personal history rather than choosing a changed outlook

Antonyms

traditional view
2 3.5

A belief a group has held for a long time and sees as normal

narrowness
1 4.3

A limited range of ideas, knowledge, or choices

Surface Forms

through a different lens positive

Morphology

through + a + different + lens

The phrase uses a straightforward spatial metaphor: 'through' + 'lens' evokes looking via an instrument, so the idea of considering something from a particular viewpoint is a natural extension of the literal meanings. Because the understanding depends on recognizing the metaphorical use of 'lens' (which many languages also use) it is partly predictable but not fully literal, making it only partially transparent to learners.

Etymology

Through a different lens comes from the simple image of looking through someone else's glasses or a different camera lens, which makes the same scene look new. So, it means 'to consider something from a new point of view'.