spectate

[ spek-teyt ]

verb (used without object)

, spec·tat·ed, spec·tat·ing.

1. to participate as a spectator, as at a horse race.

spectate

/ spɛkˈteɪt /

verb

1. intr to be a spectator, esp at a sporting event; watch

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectate¹

First recorded in 1700–10; back formation from spectator

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectate¹

C20: back formation from spectator

Example Sentences

Having had the Wagnerian experience of spectating at an indoor marathon, I can confidently assert that this is one distance that works better outside.

From Outside Online

More About Spectate

What does spectate mean?

Literally, to spectate is to watch, observe, or witness something, as in When you’re spectating a marathon, be sure to cheer loudly for the runners when they pass.

Spectate is most often used in reference to watching an event, such as a football game, concert, or even a video game.

In video gaming, particularly in competitive games and esports, there is often a spectate mode in which one player can view the actions of another. In many team-based esports, when one player is eliminated from a match, their screen will start to spectate one of their teammates’ so they can continue to provide input on their actions. Depending on the video game, people can also spectate players without even being in the same group as them. 

In gambling, when you are betting on a competition, such as a soccer game or horse race, you are said to be spectating the competition. Figuratively, this means you are watching the event in order to place a bet on it. Sports betting and performance spectating can range from small, one-time bets to large, and sometimes illegal, gambling.

Spectate is a back formation of spectator, which means someone who looks on.

Example: Owen gets frustrated whenever he’s forced to spectate in his favorite video game.

Where does spectate come from?

The first records of the term spectate come from around the early 1700s. It is a back formation of the term spectator, which means “someone who looks on.” In other words, the noun spectator was created first, and people created a verb from it by dropping the suffix -or, which creates nouns.

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for spectate?

• see
• observe
• view
• watch

What are some words that share a root or word element with spectate? 

• spectator
• spectator sport
• spectacles
• spectacle
• spectacular

What are some words that often get used in discussing spectate?

• bet
• bleachers
• cheer
• fan
• game
• sport

How is spectate used in real life?

Spectate is commonly used to mean “to watch something” and can refer to a period of inaction in a video game. 

Alright, I just took Marathon Monday off to go out to Boston and spectate the marathon. Who’s got @bostonmarathon spectating tips to share? #runchat #patriotsday #bostonmarathon

— Kevin Montano (@KevinMontano) March 28, 2022

I’ve run every Olympic Trials (track first) since 2000. It’s very strange waking up this morning to spectate instead of compete. But it feels right.
Good luck Olympic Trials Marathoners! I can’t wait to cheer you on! 🙌🏼🇺🇸

— Kara Goucher (@karagoucher) February 29, 2020

Germany, Italy and The Netherlands are now allowing 25% total capacity to spectate at football matches. France now allow 5,000 spectators at football matches. Meanwhile in Britain, a football team of 11 players cannot go to the pub together after a game.

— James Melville (@JamesMelville) September 24, 2020

 

Try using spectate!

True or False?

When you spectate in a video game, your character is performing an action.