The difference between Pageant and Spectacle

When used as nouns, pageant means an elaborate public display, especially a parade in historical or traditional costume, whereas spectacle means an exciting or extraordinary scene, exhibition, performance etc.


Pageant is also verb with the meaning: to exhibit in show.

check bellow for the other definitions of Pageant and Spectacle

  1. Pageant as a noun:

    An elaborate public display, especially a parade in historical or traditional costume.

  2. Pageant as a noun:

    A spectacular ceremony.

  3. Pageant as a noun:

    A beauty pageant.

  4. Pageant as a noun (obsolete):

    A wheeled platform for the exhibition of plays, etc.

  1. Pageant as a verb:

    To exhibit in show; to represent; to mimic.

  1. Spectacle as a noun:

    An exciting or extraordinary scene, exhibition, performance etc.

    Examples:

    "The horse race was a thrilling spectacle."

  2. Spectacle as a noun:

    An embarrassing or unedifying scene or situation.

    Examples:

    "He made a spectacle out of himself''."

  3. Spectacle as a noun (usually, in the plural):

    An optical instrument consisting of two lenses set in a light frame, and worn to assist sight, to obviate some defect in the organs of vision, or to shield the eyes from bright light.

  4. Spectacle as a noun (figuratively):

    An aid to the intellectual sight.

  5. Spectacle as a noun (obsolete):

    A spyglass; a looking-glass.

  6. Spectacle as a noun:

    The brille of a snake.