spectrum
A spectrum is a range of different things, like colors or ideas, that are between two extreme points. It is often used to show a wide variety of something related.
Examples
3 of 5The garden has flowers in a wide spectrum of colors.
The garden has flowers in a wide spectrum of colors.
The committee represents a broad spectrum of public opinion.
The committee represents a broad spectrum of public opinion.
My taste in music is on the whole spectrum from pop to metal.
My taste in music is on the whole spectrum from pop to metal.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a rainbow (the light spectrum); it flows smoothly from red to violet with all colors in between.
Quick Quiz
The new store offers a wide ____ of products for every budget.
Correct!
The correct answer is: spectrum
Examples
The garden has flowers in a wide spectrum of colors.
everydayThe garden has flowers in a wide spectrum of colors.
The committee represents a broad spectrum of public opinion.
formalThe committee represents a broad spectrum of public opinion.
My taste in music is on the whole spectrum from pop to metal.
informalMy taste in music is on the whole spectrum from pop to metal.
The research analyzes the visible light spectrum.
academicThe research analyzes the visible light spectrum.
Our firm provides a full spectrum of financial services.
businessOur firm provides a full spectrum of financial services.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
on the autism spectrum
on the autism spectrum
across the entire spectrum
across the entire spectrum
the whole spectrum of
the whole spectrum of
Often Confused With
A scale usually refers to a sequence of steps or levels, while a spectrum is a continuous range without clear breaks.
Usage Notes
Use 'spectrum' when you want to emphasize that there are many different variations of something between two opposites. It is very common in both science and sociology.
Common Mistakes
Learners often treat it as a simple list. Remember that a spectrum implies a continuous flow from one side to another.
Memory Tip
Think of a rainbow (the light spectrum); it flows smoothly from red to violet with all colors in between.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'spectrum', which means an appearance or an image.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In modern English, 'the spectrum' is frequently used as a shorthand to refer to the range of autism and neurodiversity.
Quick Quiz
The new store offers a wide ____ of products for every budget.
Correct!
The correct answer is: spectrum
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1This 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
A1The 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
A1Used 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1A 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
A1Used 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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