spectacle
gb/spˈɛktəkəl/ us/spˈɛktəkəl/
A2
English
~ 4000
látványosság, kínos jelenet, kellemetlen feltűnést kelt, nevetségessé teszi magát, szemüveg
NOUN
B1
1
látványosság
B1
Usage pattern:
a [adjective] spectacle
The fireworks display was a stunning spectacle.
A tűzijáték lenyűgöző látványosság volt.
The opening ceremony was a spectacle of light and sound.
A megnyitóünnepség látványos fény- és hangjáték volt.
Tourists gathered to witness the spectacle of the parade.
Learner examples
The parade was a big spectacle.
A felvonulás nagy látványosság volt.
We saw a beautiful light spectacle.
Gyönyörű fényjátékot láttunk.
The concert was a great spectacle.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'spectacle' with 'spectacles' (eyeglasses). Context determines which is meant.
Meaning
An impressive public show
Collocations
grand spectacle
|public spectacle
|visual spectacle
|make a spectacle
Synonyms
show (More general; can be small or large-scale)
Antonyms
non-event (An event that turns out to be dull or unremarkable)
Themes
entertainment
|culture
|events
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A big and exciting event or show that people watch.
A visually striking or memorable public display, performance, or event intended to attract attention.
NOUN
B2
2
Usage pattern:
make a spectacle of [oneself/someone]
He made quite a spectacle of himself at the party by shouting at the host.
Elég kínos jelenetet rendezett a partin azzal, hogy kiabált a házigazdával.
The politician caused a spectacle when she stormed out of the interview.
A politikus kínos jelenetet okozott, amikor kiviharzott az interjúból.
Please don’t make a spectacle in front of the guests.
Learner examples
She made a spectacle at the party.
Kínos jelenetet rendezett a partin.
He made a spectacle of himself when he fell.
Kellemetlen feltűnést keltett, amikor elesett.
Don't make a spectacle in front of people.
Common mistake:
Learners may misunderstand this as always positive; it often has a negative meaning in this sense.
Meaning
An embarrassing public display
Collocations
make a spectacle of oneself
|cause a spectacle
Synonyms
scene (Informal; often suggests conflict or drama)
Antonyms
discretion (Avoiding attracting attention)
Themes
social
|behavior
|daily_life
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
An event where someone acts in a way that makes people look and feel uncomfortable.
A situation in which someone behaves in a way that attracts unwanted attention or causes embarrassment in public.
NOUN
A2
3
szemüveg
A1
He adjusted his spectacles before reading the letter.
Megigazította a szemüvegét, mielőtt olvasni kezdte a levelet.
She bought new spectacles for reading small print.
Új szemüveget vett az apró betűs szöveg olvasásához.
The old man peered over his spectacles at the children.
Learner examples
I need spectacles to read.
Szükségem van szemüvegre az olvasáshoz.
He wears spectacles every day.
Mindennap szemüveget hord.
She lost her spectacles.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize 'spectacles' is almost always plural when referring to glasses.
Meaning
Eyeglasses for vision correction
Collocations
reading spectacles
|a pair of spectacles
Synonyms
glasses (The most common everyday term)
Antonyms
naked eye (Seeing without glasses or devices)
Themes
health
|daily life
|body
|daily_life
Definition
Glasses that help you see better or protect your eyes.
A pair of lenses set in a frame, worn on the face to correct vision or protect the eyes (usually used in plural form 'spectacles').
Grammar
Dictionary form
spectacle
IPA
GB/spˈɛktəkəl/
US/spˈɛktəkəl/
Syllables & stress
spec - tacle (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (spec)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: spectacle
- Plural: spectacles
Word family
Forms
spectacles
noun
Core family
spectacular
adjective B1
spectator
noun B1
Related words
spectacularly
adverb
spectate
verb
Negative and opposite forms
unspectacular
adjective
Advanced or less common
spectacled
adjective
Expressions
make a spectacle of oneself
1/mˈeɪk ə spˈɛktəkəl əv wˌʌnsˈɛlf/
idiom
Behave embarrassingly in public
To act in a way that makes people look at you and feel uncomfortable.
Examples
- He made a spectacle of himself by singing loudly on the train.
- She didn’t want to make a spectacle of herself at the wedding.