The word synoptic originates from the Greek synoptikos, meaning "seeing the whole together." It is formed from the combination of syn- (together) and opsis (a sight, view). This term entered Late Latin as synopticus before being adopted into English in the 17th century. Its core logic is the act of mentally gathering disparate details into a single, unified perspective, a concept famously applied to the first three Gospels of the New Testament, which present a consolidated narrative of the life of Christ.

Structure: syn (together) + optic (seeing/viewing) - syn: A prefix of Greek origin (from syn-), meaning "together, with, same." - optic: A root of Greek origin (from optikos, relating to sight or vision, from ops 'eye').