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Inconspicuously: meaning, definitions and examples

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inconspicuously

 

[ˌɪnkənˈspɪkjʊəsli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

adverb describing actions

In a way that does not attract attention; subtly or discreetly.

Synonyms

discreetly, subtly, unobtrusively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
inconspicuously

Appropriate in situations where actions or objects need to be unnoticed or not attract attention.

  • He slipped the note into her bag inconspicuously during the meeting
subtly

Best used in contexts that involve small, delicate changes or hints that are not immediately obvious.

  • He subtly changed the topic to avoid a confrontation
discreetly

Used when careful behavior is required to avoid causing embarrassment or revealing private information.

  • She discreetly mentioned the mistake to him without drawing attention
unobtrusively

Ideal for situations where something or someone should blend in and not disturb others.

  • The waiter moved unobtrusively among the guests, ensuring their glasses were never empty

Examples of usage

  • He slipped inconspicuously through the crowd.
  • She inconspicuously placed the envelope on the table.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin roots: 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'conspicuus' meaning 'visible' or 'easily seen'.
  • It was first used in the English language around the late 16th century to describe things that aren’t easily seen.
  • The 'conspicuous' part relates to visibility, giving rise to the opposite meaning with the 'in-' prefix.

Psychology

  • People often feel safer when they act inconspicuously, allowing them to avoid drawing attention to themselves.
  • The concept of social invisibility can contribute to feelings of loneliness for some individuals, as they feel unnoticed in social settings.
  • Stealth behavior can also be linked to the need for privacy, influencing how people choose to engage in social interactions.

Art

  • In art, inconspicuous elements can be used to draw viewers’ attention to the main subject, directing focus subtly.
  • Artists may use inconspicuous details to create deeper meanings in their works, rewarding closer examination.
  • The technique of portraying backgrounds in a way that they blend with the setting helps to highlight the focal points of the artwork.

Culture

  • In many cultures, blending in is often valued over standing out, reflecting societal norms and values.
  • Fashion trends sometimes lean towards the inconspicuous, with individuals opting for subtle styles over flamboyant ones.
  • Inconspicuous behavior can also be a form of protest in societies where individual expression may be discouraged.

Literature

  • Many literary characters are written as inconspicuous figures only to reveal deeper layers over time, creating suspense.
  • Inconspicuous actions can serve as foreshadowing in storytelling, hinting at future developments subtly.
  • Authors often use inconspicuous details in descriptions to enhance the realism of a setting or character.

Translations

Translations of the word "inconspicuously" in other languages:

🇵🇹 discretamente

🇮🇳 अप्रकट रूप से

🇩🇪 unauffällig

🇮🇩 diam-diam

🇺🇦 непомітно

🇵🇱 niezauważalnie

🇯🇵 目立たないように

🇫🇷 discrètement

🇪🇸 discretamente

🇹🇷 göze çarpmadan

🇰🇷 눈에 띄지 않게

🇸🇦 بشكل غير ملحوظ

🇨🇿 nenápadně

🇸🇰 nenápadne

🇨🇳 不显眼地

🇸🇮 neopazno

🇮🇸 ósýnilega

🇰🇿 байқатпай

🇬🇪 უხილავად

🇦🇿 görünmədən

🇲🇽 discretamente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,459 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.