spotlight
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a powerful light used in a theatre to shine on a performer.
n.a lamp that produces a strong, focused beam of light to illuminate a specific area or person, typically on a stage.
Simple“The singer stood alone in the spotlight while the rest of the stage was dark.”
In context“The technician adjusted the spotlight to follow the lead actor as he moved across the stage during the final monologue.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a situation where someone gets a lot of attention from the public or the media.
n.the state of being the centre of public attention or intense media scrutiny.
Simple“The young athlete found it difficult to live in the spotlight after winning the gold medal.”
In context“The scandal thrust the private company into the media spotlight, forcing the CEO to issue a public statement.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to draw attention to a specific problem, person, or fact.
v.to direct public attention toward a particular issue or subject. Transitive — requires a direct object.
Simple“The report aims to spotlight the challenges faced by small businesses today.”
In context“The documentary successfully spotlighted the environmental impact of industrial farming, sparking a nationwide debate on food policy.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
v.to shine a bright light directly on something.
v.to illuminate an object or person with a focused beam of light.
Simple“The security guard used his torch to spotlight the broken window.”
In context“The museum's new lighting system is designed to spotlight individual sculptures without creating harsh shadows on the gallery walls.”
Synonyms
Usage spotlight bbc
“Two families have been trapped by settlers for days, casting a spotlight on the army’s struggle to curtail settler violence and protect Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank.”
“The Eurovision Song Contest can have an impact beyond the stage, with the event providing a platform for host cities and countries to put themselves in the spotlight.”
From spot + light.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.