A1 noun Neutral #2,760 most common

spectacular

/spɛkˈtækjələr/

A spectacular is a large-scale, impressive, and grand public performance or show. It is often used to describe special television programs or theatrical events that are very colorful and exciting.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The family stayed home to watch the holiday spectacular on television.

The family stayed home to watch the holiday spectacular on television.

2

The municipality organized a fireworks spectacular to celebrate the new year.

The municipality organized a fireworks spectacular to celebrate the new year.

3

Did you see that music spectacular last night? It was amazing!

Did you see that music spectacular last night? It was amazing!

Word Family

Noun
spectacular
Adverb
spectacularly
Adjective
spectacular
Related
spectacle
💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Spectacle' that is so 'Popular' it becomes a 'Spectacular' show.

Quick Quiz

The city's New Year's Eve fireworks ___ was the best one yet.

Correct!

The correct answer is: spectacular

Examples

1

The family stayed home to watch the holiday spectacular on television.

everyday

The family stayed home to watch the holiday spectacular on television.

2

The municipality organized a fireworks spectacular to celebrate the new year.

formal

The municipality organized a fireworks spectacular to celebrate the new year.

3

Did you see that music spectacular last night? It was amazing!

informal

Did you see that music spectacular last night? It was amazing!

4

The professor analyzed the cultural impact of the 19th-century stage spectacular.

academic

The professor analyzed the cultural impact of the 19th-century stage spectacular.

5

Our annual product launch will be a high-tech spectacular this year.

business

Our annual product launch will be a high-tech spectacular this year.

Word Family

Noun
spectacular
Adverb
spectacularly
Adjective
spectacular
Related
spectacle

Common Collocations

television spectacular television spectacular
holiday spectacular holiday spectacular
musical spectacular musical spectacular
fireworks spectacular fireworks spectacular
ice spectacular ice spectacular

Common Phrases

A holiday spectacular

A holiday spectacular

A star-studded spectacular

A star-studded spectacular

Variety spectacular

Variety spectacular

Often Confused With

spectacular vs spectacle

A spectacle is any visually striking scene (often negative), while a spectacular is a planned, grand show or event.

📝

Usage Notes

When used as a noun, it almost always refers to a produced entertainment event. It is more common as an adjective, so ensure the context implies a 'show' when using it as a noun.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget that 'spectacular' can be a noun and mistakenly use 'spectacle' for professional shows.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of a 'Spectacle' that is so 'Popular' it becomes a 'Spectacular' show.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'spectaculum', meaning a public show or sight.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun often modified by a noun (e.g., ice spectacular) plural: spectaculars
🌍

Cultural Context

In American media history, a 'spectacular' was a specific term for a high-budget TV special that interrupted regular programming.

Quick Quiz

The city's New Year's Eve fireworks ___ was the best one yet.

Correct!

The correct answer is: spectacular

Related Grammar Rules

Related Words

to

A1

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.

and

A1

A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.

a

A1

A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.

that

A1

This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.

I

A1

The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.

for

A1

Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.

not

A1

A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.

with

A1

A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.

he

A1

A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.

you

A1

Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.

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