Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Glasses, spectacles: An optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision. The term "specs" is an informal, shortened form of "spectacles."

Usage

• "Specs" is a plural noun and is always used with a plural verb. It is a common, informal term for eyeglasses.
• It is typically used in casual conversation. In formal or medical contexts, "glasses," "eyeglasses," or "spectacles" are preferred.

Examples

• Noun:
  • I can't read the menu without my specs.
  • He got a new pair of stylish specs.
  • She left her specs on the table.

Advanced Usage

• "A pair of specs": The standard way to refer to one complete set of glasses.
  • I need to buy a new pair of specs.

Variants and Related Words

• Spectacles (n, plural): The full, more formal term for glasses.
• Glasses (n, plural): The standard, neutral term for the same object.
• Eyeglasses (n, plural): A more precise term, common in American English.
• Spec (n, singular, informal): Can be used as a singular short form in very casual speech (e.g., "I've lost a spec"), though "specs" as a plural is far more standard.

Synonyms

• Eyewear: A broader term that includes glasses, sunglasses, and safety goggles.
• Frames: Often used to refer to the part of the glasses that holds the lenses, but can informally mean the glasses themselves.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Rose-colored specs": An informal variation of "rose-colored glasses," meaning an overly optimistic or idealistic viewpoint.
  • He views the company's future through rose-colored specs.
• "See through someone's specs": To understand something from another person's perspective (less common).
  • Try to see the problem through her specs for a moment.

Noun

1. optical instrument consisting of a frame that holds a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision