A pixel region between a common electrode and a pixel electrode is composed of a principal portion in which the direction of extension of the common electrode and the pixel electrode is parallel with the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules, and a specific portion not parallel with the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. In the specific portion, the distal portion of the pixel electrode and the basal portion of the common electrode are mutually parallel and inclined by a prescribed angle with respect to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. When voltage is applied across the common electrode and the pixel electrode to generate a horizontal electric field, the horizontal electric field will be perpendicular to the initial alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules within the principal portion that occupies a major part of a column, whereas the field will not be perpendicular within the specific portion. The principal portion occupies the major part of the column.