ENGLISH
REFERENCE

spotlight

n. · v.
US //ˈspɑtˌɫaɪt// UK //spˈɒtlaɪt// spot·light
  1. 1 stage lamp (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    a powerful light used in a theatre to shine on a performer.

    a lamp that produces a strong, focused beam of light to illuminate a specific area or person, typically on a stage.

    Example

    The singer stood alone in the spotlight while the rest of the stage was dark.

    Example

    The technician adjusted the spotlight to follow the lead actor as he moved across the stage during the final monologue.
  2. 2 public attention (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a situation where someone gets a lot of attention from the public or the media.

    the state of being the centre of public attention or intense media scrutiny.

    Example

    The young athlete found it difficult to live in the spotlight after winning the gold medal.

    Example

    The scandal thrust the private company into the media spotlight, forcing the CEO to issue a public statement.
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  1. 3 to highlight (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to draw attention to a specific problem, person, or fact.

    to direct public attention toward a particular issue or subject. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    The report aims to spotlight the challenges faced by small businesses today.

    Example

    The documentary successfully spotlighted the environmental impact of industrial farming, sparking a nationwide debate on food policy.
  2. 4 to shine light on (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to shine a bright light directly on something.

    to illuminate an object or person with a focused beam of light.

    Example

    The security guard used his torch to spotlight the broken window.

    Example

    The museum's new lighting system is designed to spotlight individual sculptures without creating harsh shadows on the gallery walls.
Origin

From spot + light.

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