spectacle
Use Spectacle in a sentence
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tə noun
1.
anything presented to the sight or view, especially something of a striking or impressive kind: The stars make a fine spectacle tonight.
2.
a public show or display, especially on a large scale: The coronation was a lavish spectacle.
3.
spectacles, eyeglasses, especially with pieces passing over or around the ears for holding them in place.
4.
Often, spectacles.
a.
something resembling spectacles in shape or function.
b.
any of various devices suggesting spectacles, as one attached to a semaphore to display lights or different colors by colored glass.
5.
Obsolete. a spyglass.
6.
make a spectacle of oneself, to call attention to one's unseemly behavior; behave foolishly or badly in public: They tell me I made a spectacle of myself at the party last night.
00:10
Spectacle
is always a great word to know.
So is lollapalooza. Does it mean:
| an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance. |
| a chattering or flighty, light-headed person. |
Origin:
1300–50; Middle English < Latin spectāculum a sight, spectacle, derivative of spectāre, frequentative of specere to look, regard. See -cle2
1300–50; Middle English < Latin spectāculum a sight, spectacle, derivative of spectāre, frequentative of specere to look, regard. See -cle2
Related forms
spec·ta·cle·less, adjective
spec·ta·cle·like, adjective
su·per·spec·ta·cle, noun
Synonyms
1. marvel, wonder, sight, show.
1. marvel, wonder, sight, show.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
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Link To spectacle
Collins
World English Dictionary
spectacle (ˈspɛktəkəl) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | a public display or performance, esp a showy or ceremonial one |
| 2. | a thing or person seen, esp an unusual or ridiculous one: he makes a spectacle of himself |
| 3. | a strange or interesting object or phenomenon |
| 4. | (modifier) of or relating to spectacles: a spectacle case |
| [C14: via Old French from Latin spectaculum a show, from spectāre to watch, from specere to look at] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
spectacle
mid-14c., "specially prepared or arranged display," from O.Fr. spectacle, from L. spectaculum "a show, spectacle," from spectare "to view, watch," frequentative form of specere "to look at," from PIE *spek- "to observe" (see scope (1)).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
Much of the time, the blogs have become sport and spectacle.
For all the self-conscious spectacle, the staff is highly skilled and courteous, if precocious.
Celebrations reveal aspects of the local culture through spectacle.
There is something utterly engrossing about witnessing the spectacle of blithe ignorance in the face of impending doom.
Nearby Words
Synonyms
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