Spectare

Spectare is a Latin verb of the first conjugation that means to look at, watch, behold, or examine. It is used transitively and takes a direct object in the accusative to indicate the thing observed. In broader senses, it can express attention, regard, or consideration of a matter.

Principal parts and forms: specto, spectare, spectavi, spectatum. Present active indicative: specto, spectas, spectat, spectamus, spectatis, spectant. Imperfect: spectabam, spectabas, spectabat, spectabamus, spectabatis, spectabant. Perfect: spectavi, spectavisti, spectavit, spectavimus, spectavistis, spectaverunt. Supine: spectatum; present participle: spectans; perfect passive participle: spectatus. Passive voice uses endings with sum: spector, spectaris, spectatur, spectamur, spectamini, spectantur.

Etymology and derivatives: spectare derives from the Latin root spec- meaning to look. It gives rise to words such as spectator (watcher) and spectaculum (a show). In Romance languages, cognates include Spanish espectador and espectáculo, Italian spettatore and spettacolo, French spectateur and spectacle. English uses spectator, spectacle, and related terms.

Usage in Latin literature: spectare occurs with literal looking at persons or objects, as well as a figurative sense of examining a question or issue. It is common in poetry and prose to describe watching scenes, observing behavior, or considering possibilities, and it forms the basis for many compound terms and phrases linked to viewing and showmanship.