spectacle
Definitions
An impressive or striking sight or display.
景象；奇观；壮观的场面
A public performance or event presented for entertainment.
表演；展演
(Plural «spectacles») a pair of glasses worn to correct vision.
（复数 spectacles）眼镜
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedspect (look) + -acle (Latin -aculum, «means/place for») = «something to be looked at, a place for looking.» Romans used spectaculum for gladiator games, processions, and grand displays. The plural «spectacles» (eyeglasses) emerged because they are «things for looking through.»
Root sp still carries 131 more wordsWhy It Means This
Spectacle captures the Roman love of public display. The word can be grand («a stunning spectacle of fireworks»), tragic («the spectacle of war»), or unflattering («don't make a spectacle of yourself»). The plural «spectacles» came to mean eyeglasses in the 1400s — because lenses are «things to be looked through.» The adjective «spectacular» (worthy of being looked at) and «spectator» (one who looks at) come from the same root. Modern English keeps both senses in active use: the show on stage and the lenses on your face.
Usage Guide
- Grand sight (positive): «a magnificent spectacle» — impressive view
- Public display: «the opening ceremony was a spectacle» — staged show
- Embarrassment: «make a spectacle of oneself» — invite unwanted attention
- Eyeglasses (BrE/formal): «a pair of spectacles» — eyewear (somewhat dated in AmE, where «glasses» is standard)
- Stress: SPEC-ta-cle (3 syllables)
Example Sentences
- 1.
The fireworks were a magnificent spectacle.
- 2.
He stumbled drunkenly, making a spectacle of himself.
- 3.
She put on her spectacles to read the letter.