field glass
C1Formal, Technical, Historical
Definition
Meaning
A handheld optical instrument consisting of a pair of telescopes mounted side-by-side, used for viewing distant objects.
Historically, a handheld single-tube telescope used for observation on land or sea; the plural 'field glasses' refers more specifically to binoculars.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is now considered somewhat dated or technical. In modern usage, 'binoculars' is far more common for the two-tube instrument. 'Field glass' (singular) can refer to an older, single-tube spyglass.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical and equally archaic/technical in both varieties. No significant dialectal difference in meaning or frequency.
Connotations
Connotes a historical, military, or nautical context. Suggests equipment from the early 20th century or earlier.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary speech and writing in both regions, largely supplanted by 'binoculars' or 'telescope'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
use [field glasses] to VERBlook through [a field glass]peer through [field glasses]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical or military studies texts to describe period equipment.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Used in antique collecting, historical reenactment, and detailed historical writing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He found an old field glass in his grandfather's attic.
- We used field glasses to see the birds on the lake.
- The museum displayed a brass naval field glass from the 19th century.
- Before modern binoculars, explorers relied on a single field glass for observation.
- The general raised his field glasses to assess the enemy's position across the valley.
- The auction featured a rare, leather-cased pair of First World War field glasses.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a military officer in a FIELD, looking through a GLASS to scout the enemy.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN EYE IS A LENS (extending human vision).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation ('полевое стекло') as it is nonsensical. The correct equivalent is 'бинокль' (binoculars) or 'подзорная труба' (spyglass/telescope).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'field glass' to refer to modern sports binoculars. Confusing the singular (historical telescope) with the plural (binoculars).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most common modern equivalent for 'field glasses'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In its plural form ('field glasses'), it is synonymous with binoculars, though the term is now dated. The singular 'field glass' often refers to an older, single-tube telescope.
Primarily in historical contexts, when describing antique equipment, or in period novels and films. In everyday speech, 'binoculars' is the standard term.
Field glasses are designed for long-distance viewing outdoors (e.g., birdwatching, military use). Opera glasses are low-magnification binoculars designed for viewing a stage indoors, often ornate and small.
No. This is a common false friend for learners. The term exclusively refers to an optical device, not a container for liquids.