Words / B2

SPOTL-yt/ˈspɒtlaɪt/

A spotlight is a strong lamp on one area, or public attention: in the spotlight; put X in the spotlight. Limelight is the fame twin; attention is wider. The report put access arrangements in the spotlight. Verb: spotlight an issue. Mix-up: highlight is to mark or emphasise (already elsewhere); streetlight is a lamp on a road. Do not write spotlight for a highlighter pen.

Meaning

A strong lamp that lights one area; also public attention (in the spotlight).

Examples

• “The report put exam access arrangements in the spotlight after the leak.”
• “Dim the spotlight during the blackout scene, which is the stage-lamp sense.”

Good to know

in the spotlight; put + noun + in the spotlight. Fame twin: limelight. Trap: highlight / streetlight. News and drama. Attention or a stage lamp.

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