Definition of visual

The word "visual" is derived from the Latin adjective "visus", meaning "seen" or "perceived by sight". The term "visual" came into usage during the Renaissance period as European artists and philosophers began to place greater emphasis on the visual arts and the importance of sight as a means of understanding the world around us. In the 17th century, John Locke, an English philosopher credited with defining modern philosophical thought, described visual perception as fundamental to our understanding of the physical world, writing that "all our knowledge begins with experience." This philosophical foundation helped cement the use of the term "visual" in fields such as art, design, and psychology as a way to describe concepts, tools, and products that are centered around visual experiences. Today, the versatility of the term "visual" continues to evolve. In the age of technology, we use the term "visual" to describe not only what is seen by the human eye but also images and videos that are created or altered through technology. In fact, the use of "visual" has expanded to include almost any medium that communicates information through sight or visual representation, such as infographics, data visualization, and virtual and augmented reality. Overall, the term "visual" continues to be a vital aspect of our daily lives, as we use visuals to communicate, learn, and discover new knowledge at an ever-increasing pace.