spectacle
n.-
1 impressive display (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea grand, impressive, or exciting event that is amazing to watch.
a visually striking performance, exhibition, or event that commands public attention.
ExampleThe opening ceremony of the Olympic Games was a magnificent spectacle of light and music.
ExampleThe volcanic eruption, while devastating to local infrastructure, provided a terrifyingly beautiful spectacle for the geologists observing from the ridge.
-
2 embarrassing scene (n.) C1 Advanced Formala situation where someone behaves badly in public and makes people feel uncomfortable.
an unedifying or embarrassing public display that attracts negative attention.
ExampleHe made a spectacle of himself by shouting at the waiter in the middle of the quiet restaurant.
ExampleThe 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'.
Show 1 more senseShow fewer
-
3 eyewear (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formal British Englisha formal word for a pair of glasses.
an alternative term for eyeglasses; frequently used in the plural form 'spectacles' or as an attributive noun.
ExampleThe old man adjusted his spectacles to read the small print on the bottle.
ExampleThe 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'.
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.