spectacle

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight)
  2. noun an elaborate and remarkable display on a lavish scale
  3. noun a blunder that makes you look ridiculous; used in the phrase `make a spectacle of' yourself

Etymology

From Middle English spectacle, from Middle French spectacle, from Latin spectāculum (“a show, spectacle”), from spectō (“to see, behold”), frequentative of speciō (“to see”). See species. Doublet of spectaculum.

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