C1noun 2K

Spectacle

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈspektəkl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈspektəkl/"]/

Meaning of Spectacle

two lenses in a frame that rests on the nose and ears. People wear spectacles in order to be able to see better or to protect their eyes from bright light.

In simple words: A visually striking or impressive event or display.

Spectacle in a sentence

• a pair of spectacles
• a spectacle case *(= to put your spectacles in)*
• The carnival parade was a magnificent spectacle.
• I attended solely to witness the sheer spectacle of a political rally.
• The Olympics are a wonderful visual spectacle.
• The sunset was a stunning spectacle.
• The wide plain, with thousands of wildebeest on the move, was an awesome spectacle.
• I remember the sad spectacle of her standing in her wedding dress, covered in mud.
• the sad spectacle of him struggling to keep up with the younger players

How to use Spectacle

Used to describe events or performances that are visually impressive. Often used in a positive sense but can imply something extravagant or excessive. Avoid using in very formal contexts where simpler terms may be preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'spectacle' as a 'spec-tacle'—a show to see with specs (glasses).

Related words

Collocations with Spectacle

• dramatic
• grand
• great
• watch
• witness
• enjoy
• make a spectacle of yourself
• dramatic
• grand
• great
• watch
• witness
• enjoy
• make a spectacle of yourself

Synonyms for Spectacle

• display
• performance
• exhibition
• show
• spectacular event

Opposites of Spectacle

• invisibility
• obscurity
• hiddenness

Common mistakes with Spectacle

• Confusing it with 'spectacular', which is an adjective.
• Using it in a negative context when referring to a disaster or unpleasant event.
• Mispronouncing it due to its complex syllable structure.

Frequently asked questions about Spectacle

What does Spectacle mean?

A visually striking or impressive event or display.

What is the definition of Spectacle?

two lenses in a frame that rests on the nose and ears. People wear spectacles in order to be able to see better or to protect their eyes from bright light.

How do you use Spectacle in a sentence?

a pair of spectacles

Can you give another example of Spectacle?

a spectacle case *(= to put your spectacles in)*

What are synonyms for Spectacle?

Common alternatives include display, performance, exhibition, show, spectacular event.

What is the opposite of Spectacle?

Opposite meanings include invisibility, obscurity, hiddenness.

What words go with Spectacle?

It commonly pairs with dramatic, grand, great, watch, witness, enjoy, make a spectacle of yourself, dramatic, grand, great, watch, witness, enjoy, make a spectacle of yourself.

What are common mistakes when using Spectacle?

Confusing it with 'spectacular', which is an adjective. Using it in a negative context when referring to a disaster or unpleasant event. Mispronouncing it due to its complex syllable structure.

How do you pronounce Spectacle?

US: /["/ˈspektəkl/"]/, UK: /["/ˈspektəkl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Spectacle?

Used to describe events or performances that are visually impressive. Often used in a positive sense but can imply something extravagant or excessive. Avoid using in very formal contexts where simpler terms may be preferred.

What CEFR level is Spectacle?

"Spectacle" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.