ENGLISH
REFERENCE

spectacle

n. countable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈspɛktəkəɫ// UK //spˈɛktəkəl// spec·ta·cle

n. a grand or impressive show that is exciting to watch. You use this to describe something that catches your eye because it is large, colorful, or unusual.

n. a visually striking performance or display that attracts public attention. Often implies a sense of scale or dramatic impact that borders on the excessive.


SIMPLE

The fireworks display was a magnificent spectacle.

CONTEXTUAL

The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games is always a grand spectacle that celebrates the host nation's culture.

COMPLEX

The political rally was less a debate of ideas and more a carefully choreographed spectacle designed to dominate the evening news cycle through sheer visual scale.

Origin

From Middle English spectacle, from Middle French spectacle, from Latin spectāculum (“a show, spectacle”), from spectō (“to see, behold”), frequentative of speciō (“to see”). See species. Doublet of spectaculum.

Usage

Commonly modified by adjectives like 'grand', 'magnificent', or 'sorry' (to describe a pathetic sight).

Pitfall

I need to clean my spectacleI need to clean my spectaclesWhen referring to eyewear, the word must be plural; the singular form refers only to a visual display.

Idioms1 entry

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