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Conspicuous: meaning, definitions and examples

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conspicuous

 

[kənˈspɪkjʊəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

easily noticeable

Standing out so as to be clearly visible; attracting notice or attention; striking

Synonyms

noticeable, obvious, prominent, visible.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conspicuous

Used when something clearly stands out and is very easy to see or notice. Often implies that it is attracting attention in a deliberate way.

  • The bright red dress made her conspicuous in the crowd.
  • His conspicuous absence from the meeting raised questions.
obvious

Used when something is very clear and easy to understand or see. It implies that there is no doubt about it.

  • The answer was obvious after he explained it.
  • It is obvious that they are in love.
visible

Used to describe something that can be seen. It is a general term and doesn't imply any specific intensity.

  • The mountains were visible in the distance.
  • The stain on the shirt was barely visible.
prominent

Used when something is important, well-known, or easily seen. Often used to talk about people, features, or attributes that stand out in a significant way.

  • He is a prominent scientist in his field.
  • The monument is a prominent feature in the city skyline.
noticeable

Used for something that is easy to detect or observe. Less intense than 'conspicuous'.

  • The error in the text was noticeable.
  • There was a noticeable improvement in his performance.

Examples of usage

  • The red car was conspicuous among the line of white cars.
  • His conspicuous absence from the meeting was noted by everyone in the room.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'conspicuus,' meaning 'visible' or 'obvious.'
  • It combines 'con-' (meaning 'with') and 'spectare' (meaning 'to look'), emphasizing something you clearly look at.
  • It was first introduced into the English language in the early 17th century.

Psychology

  • People often notice conspicuous items first due to the way our brains prioritize visual information.
  • Bright colors and unusual shapes attract our attention more than bland ones, making them more memorable.
  • Awareness of conspicuous items can affect decision-making and preference due to their prominence in our visual field.

Literature

  • In literature, conspicuous descriptions are often used to highlight character traits or important themes.
  • Famous characters become more memorable when they possess conspicuous features, making them stand out in readers' minds.
  • Many authors use conspicuous elements to symbolize broader concepts, such as social status or emotional states.

Fashion and Style

  • Conspicuous fashion choices are often associated with social status, where people dress to stand out from the crowd.
  • The term 'conspicuous consumption' refers to purchasing expensive items to display wealth and social status.
  • Bright, bold styles in fashion deliberately aim to create a conspicuous appearance, making the wearer the center of attention.

Natural World

  • Certain animals, like peacocks, have conspicuous traits that help attract mates or deter predators.
  • Plants with vibrant colors or unusual shapes are more conspicuous to pollinators, ensuring their reproduction.
  • In environmental science, conspicuous species help indicate healthy ecosystems due to their visibility and role in biodiversity.

Translations

Translations of the word "conspicuous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conspícuo

🇮🇳 स्पष्ट

🇩🇪 auffällig

🇮🇩 menonjol

🇺🇦 помітний

🇵🇱 widoczny

🇯🇵 目立つ

🇫🇷 conspicuex

🇪🇸 conspicuo

🇹🇷 dikkat çekici

🇰🇷 눈에 띄는

🇸🇦 بارز

🇨🇿 nápadný

🇸🇰 nápadný

🇨🇳 显眼的

🇸🇮 opazen

🇮🇸 áberandi

🇰🇿 айқын

🇬🇪 გამოჩენილი

🇦🇿 görkəmli

🇲🇽 conspicuo

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,143 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.