Spect
/spɛkt/noun
A combining form relating to seeing, looking, or visual observation, as in inspect and spectacle.
Did you know?The Latin root behind spect also produced spectrum, originally meaning an appearance or apparition—later associated with ghosts and supernatural visions.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*spek-
“To observe, look at, or examine”
Classical Latin
Latin
specere
“To look at or observe”
Classical Latin
Latin
spectare
“To watch, look at, or behold repeatedly”
Late Latin
Latin
spectrum
“An appearance, image, or apparition”
Middle English
English
spect-
“A learned combining form referring to sight or observation”
Modern English
English
spect
“A combining form found in words connected with seeing, such as inspect and spectacle”