spectacle
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a grand, impressive, or exciting event that is amazing to watch.
a visually striking performance, exhibition, or event that commands public attention.
Simple“The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games was a magnificent spectacle of light and music.”
In context“The volcanic eruption, while devastating to local infrastructure, provided a terrifyingly beautiful spectacle for the geologists observing from the ridge.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
a situation where someone behaves badly in public and makes people feel uncomfortable.
an unedifying or embarrassing public display that attracts negative attention.
Simple“He made a spectacle of himself by shouting at the waiter in the middle of the quiet restaurant.”
In context“The politician made a spectacle of himself during the debate, losing his temper and alienating his core supporters with an unprovoked outburst.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'make a spectacle of oneself'.
Synonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
a formal word for a pair of glasses.
an alternative term for eyeglasses; frequently used in the plural form 'spectacles' or as an attributive noun.
Simple“The old man adjusted his spectacles to read the small print on the bottle.”
In context“The museum displayed a collection of nineteenth-century spectacle frames, showcasing the evolution of optical craftsmanship over the decades.”
UsageUsually used in the plural form 'spectacles'.
“Millions of us were treated to a stunning spectacle on Wednesday during mainland Europe's first total solar eclipse for more than 25 years.”
“The spectacle drew gasps and cheers from huge crowds in Spain, just 90 minutes after it first appeared in the remote Arctic region of northern Russia.”
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.