spectrum
6 synonyms for spectrum, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A continuous range between two extremes.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use spectrum
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a wide spectrum
the color spectrum
on the autism spectrum
across the political spectrum
Etymology
From Latin spectrum ("appearance, image"), from speciō ("to look at"). A doublet of "specter" — the two words share the same Latin ancestor.
Full origin of spectrum →Frequently asked questions
What does “spectrum” mean?
The word “spectrum” means a continuous range between two extremes. In plain terms, a full range of something, from one end to the other — used for colors, opinions, light, or (informally) autism.
How do you pronounce “spectrum”?
“Spectrum” is pronounced SPEHKT-ruhm (/ˈspɛktɹəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “spectrum” in a sentence?
Here is “spectrum” used in a sentence: “Opinions on the issue covered the whole spectrum, from strongly for to strongly against.”
What part of speech is “spectrum”?
“Spectrum” is a noun.
Where does the word “spectrum” come from?
The word “spectrum” comes from Latin. From Latin spectrum ("appearance, image"), from speciō ("to look at"). A doublet of "specter" — the two words share the same Latin ancestor.
Is “spectrum” a common word?
“Spectrum” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “spectrum” have?
“Spectrum” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a continuous range between two extremes.
What is the plural of "spectrum"?
The traditional plural is "spectra," following the word's Latin origin, though "spectrums" is also accepted in general use. Scientific writing usually prefers "spectra," as in "absorption spectra."
What is the difference between "spectrum" and "range"?
A "range" is any set or span of values, while a "spectrum" specifically suggests a continuous scale between two opposite extremes with many gradations in between. Positions on a spectrum shade gradually from one end to the other rather than falling into separate groups.
What are common phrases using "spectrum"?
Frequent collocations include "political spectrum," "broad spectrum," "colour spectrum," and "across the spectrum." These draw on both senses: a continuous range of positions and the band of colours in visible light.
