Spectateur (en. Spectator)

/spɛkta.tœʁ/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A person who watches an event, especially in relation to shows, competitions, or performances.
The spectator applauded at the end of the play.
Le spectateur a applaudi à la fin de la pièce de théâtre.
One who observes something, without actively participating.
The spectators of the match were very enthusiastic.
Les spectateurs du match étaient très enthousiastes.
Someone who witnesses an event.
Each spectator experienced the event in a unique way.
Chaque spectateur a vécu l'événement d'une manière unique.

Etymology

From Latin 'spectator', derived from 'spectare' which means 'to watch'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

passive spectator
A person who observes without intervening.
spectateur passif
to perform in front of the spectators
To perform for an audience.
faire le spectacle devant les spectateurs
privileged spectator
A person who has privileged access to observe an event.
spectateur privilégié

Related Words

show
An enjoyable or entertaining event, often related to performance.
spectacle
observation
The action of watching or closely examining something.
observation
audience
A group of people that gathers spectators.
public

Slang Meanings

A term used to refer to someone who is not too involved in a situation.
He is just a spectator in this story.
Il est juste un spectateur dans cette histoire.
Sometimes used to describe a critic or a commentator without commitment.
He's just a spectator who knows nothing about the scene.
C'est juste un spectateur qui ne connaît rien de la scène.