ENGLISH
REFERENCE

spectacles

n. plural-only
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈspɛktəkəɫz// UK //spˈɛktəkəlz// spec·ta·cles Archaic Slang

n. a pair of glasses that you wear to see better. This is a more formal or old-fashioned word for eyewear.

n. a pair of corrective lenses in a frame that rests on the nose and ears to aid vision.


SIMPLE

He adjusted his spectacles before reading the letter.

CONTEXTUAL

The professor peered over the top of his gold-rimmed spectacles to address the student at the back of the room.

COMPLEX

While modern contact lenses offer convenience, many people still prefer the classic aesthetic of spectacles, viewing them as a fashion accessory rather than a medical necessity.

Synonyms
Usage

Takes plural verb agreement; often used with the classifier 'a pair of'.

Pitfall

He is wearing a spectacle.He is wearing spectacles.The word is plural-only when referring to eyewear; a 'spectacle' refers to a grand public display or scene.

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