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Meaning & use

spectacle

noun·Academic

Last updated

UK/ˈspektəkl/
US/ˈspektəkl/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    An impressive public show or sight that draws many eyes.

    Grammar: Takes a: a grand spectacle.

    Patterns

    • a spectacle of something

    The fireworks were a magnificent spectacle.

    The parade was a colorful spectacle.

    Thousands came to watch the spectacle of the launch.

  2. nouncountabledisapproving

    A strange or shocking scene that draws attention for the wrong reasons.

    Grammar: Often critical: make a spectacle of yourself.

    Patterns

    • make a spectacle of yourself

    He made a spectacle of himself by shouting in the restaurant.

    The argument turned into an ugly spectacle.

    Don't make a spectacle of the matter.

  3. nounpluralold-fashionedBritish

    A pair of glasses; usually in the plural.

    Grammar: Old-fashioned or formal; plural: spectacles.

    Patterns

    • a pair of spectacles

    The old man peered over his spectacles.

    She polished her spectacles with a cloth.

    He lost his reading spectacles on the train.

Word forms

pluralspectacles

Common combinations

a stunning spectacle
The sunrise over the lake was a stunning spectacle.
make a spectacle of yourself
Stop dancing on the table and don't make a spectacle of yourself.
a public spectacle
The trial became a public spectacle.
a sad spectacle
The empty stadium was a sad spectacle.
a grand spectacle
The opening ceremony was a grand spectacle.

Synonyms and how they differ

display
Display is a neutral word for anything shown, while spectacle suggests something dramatic.
show
Show is the everyday word and can be small, but spectacle implies size and awe.
sight
Sight is anything that can be seen, so it is wider than spectacle.
extravaganza
Extravaganza is a lavish entertainment, more informal and playful than spectacle.

Word family

spectacular adjective
very impressive
spectacularly adverb
in an impressive way
spectator noun
a person who watches an event
spectacles noun
eyeglasses

Commonly confused: spectacle or spectator?

spectacle vs spectator

A spectator is the person watching; the spectacle is the thing being watched.

Practice

What does 'make a spectacle of yourself' mean?

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