What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spectated
Example
The fans spectated the football match from the stands. [spectated: verb]
Example
We spectated the circus performance with amazement. [spectated: past tense]
viewed
Example
We viewed the documentary on climate change last night. [viewed: past tense]
Example
The art critic viewed the painting from different angles to appreciate its details. [viewed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Viewed is more commonly used than spectated in everyday language. Viewed is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while spectated is less common and refers to a specific type of observation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spectated and viewed?
Both spectated and viewed are relatively neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.