grandstand
UK[ˈɡrændstænd]US[ˈɡrændstænd]
n
the main seating area, usually roofed, for spectators at a racecourse or sports ground.
v
to act or perform in a showy or ostentatious manner to impress an audience.
Morpheme Breakdown
grand
stand
grand
large, impressive
stand
a structure for standing or viewing
Etymology
the word 'grandstand' is a transparent compound formed within english. it combines 'grand', a middle english borrowing from old french, itself from latin 'grandis' (great, large), with the native english word 'stand', from old english 'standan'. the term literally denotes a large or main structure for standing to view an event. its formation follows a common english pattern of adjective-noun compounding to create a specific, concrete noun. the later verbal sense, meaning to show off for an audience, is a figurative back-formation from the noun, playing on the idea of performing conspicuously as if on the main stage.
Analysis
Structure: grand (large, impressive) + stand (a structure for standing or viewing)
grand (from latin 'grandis', meaning great, large; functions as an intensifying adjective). stand (from old english 'standan', meaning to stand; functions as a noun denoting a structure).
Examples
we had seats in the grandstand with a perfect view of the finish line.
the politician was accused of grandstanding during the debate instead of addressing the issue.
the old wooden grandstand was replaced with a modern concrete structure.