spectacle
spectacle — noun
1. Something that happens in public and is highly unusual or surprising, often maki
Something that happens in public and is highly unusual or surprising, often making people feel shocked, embarrassed, or disapproving.
Hoa left the room, not wanting to be part of the spectacle at dinner.
The celebrity's angry outburst became a public spectacle filmed by dozens of phones.
become + a + public spectacle
Eli could not watch the sorry spectacle of his hero losing control on television.
What a spectacle when the old truck backfired and sent smoke across the market square.
Kofi refused to make a spectacle of himself by dancing on a table at work.
文法句型
a spectacle
spectacle + of + noun phrase
make a spectacle of yourself
用法筆記
In this sense, spectacle often carries a negative or critical tone — the speaker is usually uncomfortable, embarrassed, or disapproving. The common fixed phrase 'make a spectacle of yourself' means to behave in a way that makes you look foolish in public.
常見錯誤
2. A large public event, performance, or display that is deliberately designed to i
A large public event, performance, or display that is deliberately designed to impress audiences with its size, beauty, drama, or excitement.
The opening ceremony of the Olympics is a global spectacle watched by billions of people.
a + [adjective] + spectacle + watched by + [group]
Darius said the fireworks display was the most magnificent spectacle he had ever seen.
The lantern festival in Hoi An is a colourful spectacle drawing visitors from many countries.
For Ayesha, the solar eclipse was a breathtaking natural spectacle she would never forget.
The Broadway musical was a dazzling spectacle of music, lights, and elaborate costumes.
- show
more general, less grand; can be any type of performance
- pageant
specifically a public entertainment with costumes and processions
- extravaganza
a very elaborate and expensive spectacle
- display
focuses on the visual arrangement, can be smaller in scale
文法句型
a spectacle
spectacle of + noun
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1, this sense has a strongly positive or admiring tone. It describes events that are meant to be enjoyed — shows, parades, ceremonies, or natural wonders. The focus is on visual grandeur rather than embarrassment.
常見錯誤
3. An optical device worn over the eyes to correct vision, made of two shaped lense
An optical device worn over the eyes to correct vision, made of two shaped lenses fixed inside a support that rests across the nose. A more formal word for 'glasses'.
The librarian pushed her spectacles up and looked over them at the noisy students.
pushed her spectacles up her nose — common physical action with spectacles
Luca cleaned his spectacles with a soft cloth before signing the contract.
The old photograph showed a man in round wire spectacles with a kind, weathered face.
Imani keeps her spectacles in a hard case to protect them from scratches and dust.
- glasses
everyday term; much more common than spectacles
- eyeglasses
standard American term, neutral register
文法句型
spectacles
a pair of spectacles
用法筆記
In modern everyday conversation, 'glasses' is far more common than 'spectacles' in all varieties of English. 'Spectacles' sounds old-fashioned or formal. The shortened form 'specs' is informal British English.
常見錯誤
spectacle — adjective
1. Relating to or used with eyeglasses; describing objects designed for people who
Relating to or used with eyeglasses; describing objects designed for people who wear spectacles.
The spectacle case on the nightstand was made of dark blue leather with gold stitching.
spectacle + noun (spectacle case) — attributive use
Linh adjusted the spectacle frame in front of the mirror before taking the vision test.
This shop sells spectacle lenses with special coating to reduce screen glare.
Bao ordered a new spectacle cleaner that does not leave streaks on the glass.
- eyeglass
American equivalent, more common in product names
- spectacled
describes a person who wears spectacles, not the objects themselves
文法句型
spectacle + noun
用法筆記
This adjective form is almost always used attributively (before a noun) and occurs in specialized or commercial contexts such as optometry catalogues or product descriptions. In everyday speech, people use 'glasses' instead: 'glasses case', 'glasses frame'.