Salience Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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salience
[ˈseɪlɪəns ]
Definitions
in psychology
The quality of being particularly noticeable or important; prominence.
Synonyms
importance, notability, prominence.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| salience |
Used to describe something that stands out or is very noticeable in a specific context. Often used in specialized fields such as psychology or marketing.
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| prominence |
Indicates a state of being well-known or easily noticeable, often due to a distinguished position or role. Can also imply a physical feature that stands out.
|
| importance |
Commonly used to signify the significance or value of something in a broad sense. Suitable for everyday conversation and formal contexts alike.
|
| notability |
Used when referring to the quality of being noteworthy or remarkable. Often associated with public recognition or exceptional achievements.
|
Examples of usage
- The salience of the issue in the current political climate cannot be overstated.
- The salience of the study's findings led to its widespread recognition in the scientific community.
in linguistics
The state or quality of standing out relative to other elements in the discourse.
Synonyms
accentuation, distinctiveness, prominence.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| salience |
Used to describe something that stands out prominently or gets immediate attention due to its importance or noticeable feature.
|
| prominence |
Used when something is very noticeable or important within a particular context or domain, often implying a strong, impactful presence.
|
| distinctiveness |
Refers to the unique quality that makes something different from others, often used in marketing, branding, and descriptions.
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| accentuation |
Often used to talk about highlighting or emphasizing a particular feature or detail, especially in art, literature, and design.
|
Examples of usage
- The salience of the word 'love' in the poem highlights its thematic importance.
- The salience of certain sounds in a language can affect its overall perception.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Salience plays a crucial role in memory; things that stand out are more likely to be remembered.
- In decision-making, highly salient information can distort choices, as it draws undue attention away from other relevant data.
Art and Design
- In artwork, elements of salience enhance composition, attracting the viewer's eye to focal points.
- Graphic design often uses contrast and color to create salience, helping important information stand out.
Media and Advertising
- Salient features in advertisements ensure that key messages are memorable, influencing consumer behavior.
- Brands often utilize catchy slogans or bright logos to ensure they are immediately noticeable to potential customers.
Education
- In teaching, salience can be utilized by emphasizing key concepts to help students focus on what matters most.
- Educational tools, like visual aids, make certain information salient, aiding with comprehension and retention.
Origin of 'salience'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'salire', which means 'to leap'. It reflects how some ideas or objects leap out at you.
- First used in English in the early 20th century, highlighting its rise in common language as a concept of importance.
The word 'salience' originated from the Latin word 'salientia', which means 'leaping'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of standing out or being particularly noticeable. The concept of salience is integral in various fields such as psychology, linguistics, and communication studies.