Word
Definitions
01impressive display
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a grand, impressive, or exciting event that is amazing to watch.
n. a visually striking performance, exhibition, or event that commands public attention.
“The opening ceremony of the Olympic Games was a magnificent spectacle of light and music.”
“The volcanic eruption, while devastating to local infrastructure, provided a terrifyingly beautiful spectacle for the geologists observing from the ridge.”
Synonyms
02embarrassing scene
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a situation where someone behaves badly in public and makes people feel uncomfortable.
n. an unedifying or embarrassing public display that attracts negative attention.
“He made a spectacle of himself by shouting at the waiter in the middle of the quiet restaurant.”
“The politician made a spectacle of himself during the debate, losing his temper and alienating his core supporters with an unprovoked outburst.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'make a spectacle of oneself'.
Synonyms
03eyewear
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Formal · British English
n. a formal word for a pair of glasses.
n. an alternative term for eyeglasses; frequently used in the plural form 'spectacles' or as an attributive noun.
“The old man adjusted his spectacles to read the small print on the bottle.”
“The museum displayed a collection of nineteenth-century spectacle frames, showcasing the evolution of optical craftsmanship over the decades.”
Usage
Usually used in the plural form 'spectacles'.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “spectacle” in context.
Verb
01. make a spectacle of yourself
“He had too much to drink at the wedding and really made a spectacle of himself on the dance floor.”
verb + noun + of + noun
02. present a spectacle
“The erupting volcano presented a terrifying spectacle of fire and ash against the night sky.”
verb + noun
03. witness a spectacle
“Thousands gathered at the harbor to witness the magnificent spectacle of the tall ships arriving.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. grand spectacle
“The coronation was a grand spectacle that combined ancient tradition with modern pageantry.”
adj + noun
05. sorry spectacle
“The abandoned, decaying stadium was a sorry spectacle compared to its former glory.”
adj + noun
06. visual spectacle
“The film is a stunning visual spectacle, though the plot is somewhat lacking in depth.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. spectacle of color
“The autumn leaves provided a breathtaking spectacle of color across the valley.”
noun + of + noun
Real-World Examples
“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.” “But parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain experienced the complete darkness and spectacle of a total eclipse.” “Price said with the right weather, "this will be an amazing astronomical spectacle".” Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/spectacle
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0