spectre
word
Definition
A spectre is a ghost or spirit; it can also mean something that causes fear or worry, especially something possible or imagined.
Usage & Nuances
More formal and literary than 'ghost.' Used literally for apparitions, and figuratively for dangers or threats (e.g., 'the spectre of war'). Not common in everyday speech.
Spanish: espectro - fantasmaPortuguese (BR): espectro - fantasmaPortuguese (PT): espectro - fantasmaChinese (Simplified): 幽灵 - 恐惧（隐喻）Chinese (Traditional): 幽靈 - 恐懼（隱喻）Hindi: प्रेत - भूतArabic: شبح - طيفBengali: ভূত - আতঙ্ক (ভয়ের সম্ভাবনা)Russian: призрак - угроза (переносное значение)Japanese: 幽霊 - 恐怖（比喩的な意味）Vietnamese: bóng ma - nỗi ám ảnh (nghĩa bóng)Korean: 유령 - 불안(은유적으로)Turkish: hayalet - tehdit (mecaz anlamda)Urdu: بھوت - خوف (تمثیلی معنی میں)Indonesian: hantu - ancaman (makna kiasan)
Example Sentences
The spectre frightened the children.
basic
The movie is about the spectre of a lost king.
basic
The spectre of unemployment worried many families.
natural
For years, the country lived under the spectre of war.
natural
He saw a spectre in the old house.
basic
Even after winning, the spectre of defeat lingered in his mind.
natural