Words / C1

SPEKT-uh-kl/ˈspektəkl/

A spectacle is an unusual or impressive public sight, sometimes a foolish display: a spectacle of lights, make a spectacle of yourself. A display and a show are everyday; a spectator watches; spectacular (adjective) means very impressive. Do not confuse a press scrum with consultation.

Meaning

An unusual or impressive public sight; sometimes a foolish display.

Examples

• “A press scrum at the fire door is a spectacle, not a consultation.”
• “Show is everyday. Display can be shop windows. A spectator is the watcher. Spectacles (glasses) are a lookalike plural. Consultation has a list and a date. Cameras at an exit are a hazard and a circus.”

Good to know

A striking public display (sometimes foolish). Everyday: show. Mix-up: spectacles (glasses). A scrum is not a consultation.

Near in meaning

display

New