spettacolare

Spettacolare is an Italian adjective used to describe something that is visually striking or emotionally impressive. It applies to performances, landscapes, architecture, events, or phenomena that convey a strong sense of grandeur or awe. The term often carries a positive nuance, though it can be used in a broader or even ironic sense depending on context.

Etymology and form: spettacolare derives from spettacolo, meaning show or spectacle, which itself comes from Latin spectaculum, from spectare “to look at.” The adjective is formed from the noun with the typical -are suffix. In Italian, the singular form spettacolare is used for masculine and feminine nouns, while the plural form is spettacolari for both genders (un evento spettacolare, due eventi spettacolari; una scena spettacolare, molte scene spettacolari).

Usage and nuance: The word is common in journalism, arts, tourism, sports, and everyday language to emphasize visual impact or extraordinary quality. It can describe a breathtaking scene, a dazzling performance, a dramatic achievement, or any outcome with striking, memorable features. It can also appear in compounds such as “effetto spettacolare” or in phrases like “una notte spettacolare.” The related noun spettacolo refers to the show or spectacle itself, while spettacularità or spettacularità describes the quality of being spectacular.

See also: Spettacolo, the noun meaning show or spectacle; spettacolari, the plural/adjective form; spettacularità, the abstract noun denoting the quality of being spectacular.