field glasses
C2Formal, Technical, Archaic
Definition
Meaning
A handheld, portable optical instrument, typically a pair of small refracting telescopes mounted together, used for magnifying distant objects.
The term can extend to any binoculars used outdoors, particularly in observational contexts like birdwatching, surveillance, or at sporting events, emphasising their portable, hand-held nature as opposed to mounted telescopes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term 'field glasses' is somewhat dated and specific, evoking a classic or military style of binoculars. It is more precise than 'binoculars' in historical or technical contexts, but less common in casual modern speech.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties, but is more common in British English. 'Binoculars' is the dominant, everyday term in both, but 'field glasses' persists more in formal British descriptions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes a specific style (often with a centre focus wheel, rubber eyecups) used for outdoor observation. In American English, it may sound slightly more old-fashioned or literary.
Frequency
Overall low frequency. Slightly higher relative frequency in UK English, especially in writing (e.g., auction catalogues, historical novels).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
take out [the field glasses]look at [sth] through [the field glasses]scan [the horizon] with [the field glasses]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms. The term itself is literal.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in descriptions of outdoor/sporting goods.
Academic
Used in historical or military studies texts describing equipment.
Everyday
Very rare; 'binoculars' is the default term.
Technical
Used in optics, military, and heritage equipment contexts to specify a type of binoculars.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We saw a bird with the field glasses.
- He took out his field glasses to watch the ships in the harbour.
- The antique brass field glasses, though heavy, provided a remarkably clear view of the distant ridge.
- The general methodically scanned the enemy's positions with his field glasses, noting every trench and emplacement before issuing orders.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a detective in a FIELD, using GLASSES to see clues far away. It's a simple compound: glasses for the field.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISION IS REACH/EXTENSION (the glasses extend your visual field).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a direct calque like *'полевые очки'*. The correct Russian equivalent is 'бинокль'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'field glasses' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a field glass' is incorrect; it's always plural).
- Confusing with 'glasses' (spectacles).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of 'field glasses'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes. 'Field glasses' is a specific, somewhat dated term for a style of binoculars, implying they are designed for outdoor ('field') use. In modern usage, 'binoculars' is the general, all-encompassing term.
Like 'trousers', 'scissors', and 'binoculars', the term refers to an object composed of two identical, joined parts (in this case, two telescopes for each eye). It is treated as a plural noun grammatically.
No, it is relatively uncommon in everyday speech. The word 'binoculars' is far more frequent. You will encounter 'field glasses' more in historical contexts, classic literature, or specialised descriptions of antique optical equipment.
It would be unusual. Theatre binoculars are traditionally called 'opera glasses' or 'theatre glasses'. 'Field glasses' strongly implies use in open, outdoor spaces for observing distant landscapes, wildlife, or activities.