Spectacle
Definition
Spectacle refers to a visually striking performance or display, or an event or scene regarded in terms of its visual impact.
Parts of Speech
- Noun
Pronunciation
American English
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈspɛktəkəl/
- Respelling: SPEK-tuh-kuhl (with "SPEK" as in "speck," "tuh" as a schwa sound like the 'a' in "sofa," and "kuhl" as in "cool")
British English
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈspɛktəkl/
- Respelling: SPEK-tuh-kuhl (similar to American English, with "SPEK" as in "speck," "tuh" like the 'a' in "sofa," and "kuhl" as in "cool")
In both dialects, "spectacle" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "SPEK." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, reflecting the word's straightforward phonetic structure and emphasis.
Etymology
The term "spectacle" is derived from the Old French "spectacle," which is based on Latin "spectaculum," from "spectare," which means 'to view, to watch'.
Derivatives
- Spectacles
- Spectacular
- Spectacularly
- Spectacle-wearer
- Spectacle-maker
Synonyms
- Display
- Show
- Exhibition
Antonyms
- Concealment
- Hiddenness
- Obscurity
Usage
The term "spectacle" is used to denote something that captures attention due to its impressive or dramatic nature.
- Example: "The fireworks created a beautiful spectacle in the night sky."
Related Terms
- Pageant
- Performance
- Exhibition
- Showcase
- Parade
Detailed Definition
Noun
- Visual Display: An event or scene that is capable of capturing attention due to its dramatic or visual nature.
- Example: "The annual air show is a true spectacle, drawing crowds from all over the region."
- Performance: A grand or conspicuous performance or display.
- Example: "The theater put on a spectacle that was talked about for months."
- Eyeglasses: (Plural, usually "spectacles") A pair of lenses set in a frame resting on the nose and ears, used to correct or assist defective eyesight or protect the eyes.
- Example: "She misplaced her spectacles and couldn’t read the menu."
- Unusual or Absurd Situation: An unusual or ridiculous event or situation that attracts attention, often used disparagingly.
- Example: "The court case turned into a spectacle with all the media attention."
spectacle
The annual air show is a true spectacle, drawing crowds from all over the region.
The eclipse turned into a celestial spectacle, with onlookers gazing up in awe.
The ice sculpture competition was a winter spectacle, attracting photographers from all over.
🇨🇳 Mandarin (Simplified Chinese)
- 景观 (jǐngguān) [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /t͡ɕiŋ˨˩˦ kwan/
- Respelling in English: jing-GWAN
- 眼镜 (yǎnjìng) [a pair of glasses]
- IPA Pronunciation: /jɛn˨˩˦ t͡ɕiŋ˥˥/
- Respelling in English: yen-JING
🇮🇳 Hindi
- दृश्य (dr̥śya) [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /d̪r̩ʂjə/
- Respelling in English: drish-YA
🇪🇸 Spanish
- espectáculo [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /es.pekˈta.ku.lo/
- Respelling in English: es-pek-TA-koo-lo
- gafas [a pair of glasses]
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɡa.fas/
- Respelling in English: GAH-fas
🇫🇷 French
- spectacle [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /spɛk.takl/
- Respelling in English: spek-TAKL
- lunettes [a pair of glasses]
- IPA Pronunciation: /ly.nɛt/
- Respelling in English: lyu-NET
🇸🇦 Modern Standard Arabic
- مشهد (mushhad) [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /muːˈʃæhd/
- Respelling in English: moo-SHAHD
- نظارات (naẓārāt) [a pair of glasses]
- IPA Pronunciation: /naːˈʒaːraːt/
- Respelling in English: naa-ZHA-raat
🇧🇩 Bengali
- দৃশ্য (dṛśya) [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /driʃjə/
- Respelling in English: drish-YA
🇷🇺 Russian
- зрелище (zrelische) [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈzrʲelʲɪʂt͡ɕɪ/
- Respelling in English: ZRE-lish-che
🇵🇹 Portuguese
- espetáculo [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /iʃ.pɨˈta.ku.lu/
- Respelling in English: eesh-peh-TA-koo-loo
- óculos [a pair of glasses]
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈo.ku.lus/
- Respelling in English: OH-koo-loos
🇮🇩 Indonesian
- pertunjukan [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /pərˈtundʒu.kan/
- Respelling in English: per-TOON-joo-kan
🇩🇪 German
- Schauspiel [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈʃaʊ̯.ʃpiːl/
- Respelling in English: SHAU-shpeel
- Brille [a pair of glasses]
- IPA Pronunciation: /ˈbrɪlə/
- Respelling in English: BRIL-luh
🇯🇵 Japanese
- 見せ物 (misemono) [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /mi.se.mo.no/
- Respelling in English: mee-SEH-mo-no
- 眼鏡 (megane) [a pair of glasses]
- IPA Pronunciation: /me.ɡa.ne/
- Respelling in English: meh-GAH-neh
🇻🇳 Vietnamese
- trình diễn [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /ʈɛjŋ˧ˀ˨ʔ zjɛn˧˧/
- Respelling in English: treeng DYEN
🇰🇷 Korean
- 공연 (gong-yeon) [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /kʰoŋ.jʌn/
- Respelling in English: KONG-yeon
🇹🇷 Turkish
- gösteri [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /ɡøsˈte.ɾi/
- Respelling in English: goe-STEH-ree
- gözlük [a pair of glasses]
- IPA Pronunciation: /ɡøzˈluk/
- Respelling in English: goe-ZLUK
🇵🇰 Urdu
- منظر (manzar) [a visually striking performance or display]
- IPA Pronunciation: /mʌnˈzʌr/
- Respelling in English: mun-ZAR
