Etymological root
specere
to look at; to observe
Forms to recognize: speciō, specere, spectum
This rare Old Latin verb survives through compounds and related forms. Inspect and spectator retain a direct connection with looking. Respect, suspect, and perspective extend into attitudes and judgment. The visible spect spelling is a useful family reminder, but it does not by itself tell you which modern meaning a word has.
Learn this word family
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inspect
To look at something closely and carefully in order to check its condition or find problems.
The technician will inspect every cable before switching on the equipment.
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respect
A feeling of admiration or high regard for someone or something.
Her patience with new colleagues earned the respect of the entire team.
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suspect
To think that something is probably true, often something bad.
I suspect that the delay was caused by a fault in the booking system.
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perspective
A particular way of thinking about or judging a situation.
Working at the clinic gave her a new perspective on the town's transport problems.
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spectator
A person who watches an event, especially a sport or show.
One spectator caught the ball after it bounced into the stands.