spectacle
SPEK-tuh-kuhl
/ˈspɛktəkəl/
A visually striking performance or display.
Can be positive (amazing) or negative (embarrassing, as in 'making a spectacle of yourself').
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'spectaculum,' meaning a public show. It shares a root with 'inspect' and 'spectator'—it is all about the act of looking.
Word relationships
- display: A display is a general showing; a spectacle is specifically intended to be impressive or shocking.
Commonly confused with
- spectacles: Plural 'spectacles' usually refers to eyeglasses.
Word family
- spectacular (adjective): beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way
Collocations
- grand spectacle
- public spectacle
- make a spectacle of
Idioms & expressions
- make a spectacle of oneself
Example sentences
- "What a spectacle shall we see tomorrow!" Literature
Memory hook
Spectacle = Something you use your 'specs' (glasses) to see. Eye-catching show.
When not to use
Don't use for something subtle or invisible.
Fun facts
- In ancient Rome, gladiatorial games were the ultimate 'spectacula.'
Explore more words
conspicuous, behold, spectator, breathtaking, astonish, specimen
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