Spectacle etymology

English

English word spectacle comes from Latin specio (I observe, watch, look at.), Latin -culum, French spectare

Etymology of spectacle

Detailed word origin of spectacle

Dictionary entry Language Definition
specio Latin (lat) I observe, watch, look at.
-culum Latin (lat) Suffix used to form some nouns derived from verbs, particularly nouns representing tools and instruments.
spectare French (fr)
spectaculum Latin (lat) Public or civic event. Show, spectacle.
spectacle French (fr) A show, a spectacle, a performance, a concert. A sight, a showing, a display.
spectacle Middle English (enm)
spectacle English (en) (figuratively) An aid to the intellectual sight.. (obsolete) A spyglass; a looking-glass.. (usually, in the plural) An optical instrument consisting of two lenses set in a light frame, and worn to assist sight, to obviate some defect in the organs of vision, or to shield the eyes from bright light.. An embarrassing situation. An exciting or extraordinary exhibition, performance or event.. [...]

Words with the same origin as spectacle

Descendants of -culum

cube miracle obstacle oracle vehicle