Dictionary

spectatorial en · ADJ

Pronunciation

• /spɛktəˈtɔːɹɪəl/ (UK)

Etymology

From spectator + -ial.

Meanings

1. Pertaining to a spectator.
   • He was a psychologist rather than a philosopher, and his interest and zest in life, in the relationships of simple people, the intermingling of personal emotions and happy comradeships, kept him from ever forming cynical or merely spectatorial views of humanity. 1905, William Cory (William Johnson), Ionica:
   • Louis XIV had been his own Principal Dancer in court ballets down to the 1670s, but he increasingly took a spectatorial rather than a participatory role in entertainments, which became fewer and less grand. 2002, Colin Jones, The Great Nation, Penguin, published 2003, page 19:
2. Suitable for spectating.
   • Upon these Directions, together with other secret Articles herein inclosed, you are to govern your self, and give Advertisement thereof to me at all convenient and spectatorial Hours, when Men of Business are to be seen. 1891, Joseph Addison, Richard Steele, The Spectator, Volumes 1, 2 and 3:

Forms

Deriveds

spectatorially