spectacular

The word “spectacular” means extremely impressive or striking to watch. In plain terms, amazing to look at or witness, or (as a noun) a big showy event.

“Spectacular” is pronounced spehk-TAK-yuu-luh (/spɛkˈtæk.jə.lɚ/ in IPA).

Here is “spectacular” used in a sentence: “The fireworks display was absolutely spectacular.”

Depending on how it is used, “spectacular” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “spectacular” comes from Latin. From Latin spectaculum, "a show or sight," from specio, "to look at.".

“Spectacular” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Spectacular” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extremely impressive or striking to watch.

Spectacular is mainly an adjective meaning extremely impressive or striking to watch, while spectacle is a noun for a visually striking sight or show. Spectacle can also carry a negative sense, as in "making a spectacle of yourself," meaning attracting embarrassing attention. Spectacular can be a noun too, but only for a large, lavish show.

Yes. Spectacular describes anything dramatic and striking to watch, so English speakers talk about a "spectacular failure" or a "spectacular collapse," meaning the failure was extreme and attention-grabbing. The word signals scale and drama rather than approval, although on its own it usually implies something impressive in a positive way.

Both describe things that impress, but spectacular emphasizes drama and scale — something remarkable to watch, like fireworks or a mountain vista — while stunning emphasizes the effect on the viewer: so beautiful or surprising that it almost stuns you. A quiet portrait can be stunning, but it would rarely be called spectacular.

As a noun, a spectacular is a large, elaborate, and impressive show or event, and a TV spectacular is a big one-off television production, often built around music, dance, and special effects. This noun use grew out of the adjective and is most common in entertainment contexts.