spectacle
gb/spˈɛktəkəl/ us/spˈɛktəkəl/
A2
English
~ 4000
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
event
1
An impressive public show
A big and exciting event or show that people watch.
Usage pattern:
a [adjective] spectacle
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'spectacle' with 'spectacles' (eyeglasses). Context determines which is meant.
Synonyms
show (More general; can be small or large-scale)
Antonyms
non-event (An event that turns out to be dull or unremarkable)
Collocations
grand spectacle
|public spectacle
|visual spectacle
|make a spectacle
Themes
entertainment
|culture
|events
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The fireworks display was a stunning spectacle.
- The opening ceremony was a spectacle of light and sound.
- Tourists gathered to witness the spectacle of the parade.
Learner examples
- The parade was a big spectacle.
- We saw a beautiful light spectacle.
- The concert was a great spectacle.
Noun
B2
event
2
An embarrassing public display
An event where someone acts in a way that makes people look and feel uncomfortable.
Usage pattern:
make a spectacle of [oneself/someone]
Common mistake:
Learners may misunderstand this as always positive; it often has a negative meaning in this sense.
Synonyms
scene (Informal; often suggests conflict or drama)
Antonyms
discretion (Avoiding attracting attention)
Collocations
make a spectacle of oneself
|cause a spectacle
Themes
social
|behavior
|daily_life
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He made quite a spectacle of himself at the party by shouting at the host.
- The politician caused a spectacle when she stormed out of the interview.
- Please don’t make a spectacle in front of the guests.
Learner examples
- She made a spectacle at the party.
- He made a spectacle of himself when he fell.
- Don't make a spectacle in front of people.
Noun
A2
entity
3
Eyeglasses for vision correction
Glasses that help you see better or protect your eyes.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize 'spectacles' is almost always plural when referring to glasses.
Synonyms
glasses (The most common everyday term)
Antonyms
naked eye (Seeing without glasses or devices)
Collocations
reading spectacles
|a pair of spectacles
Themes
health
|daily life
|body
|daily_life
Examples
- He adjusted his spectacles before reading the letter.
- She bought new spectacles for reading small print.
- The old man peered over his spectacles at the children.
Learner examples
- I need spectacles to read.
- He wears spectacles every day.
- She lost her 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.