conspicuous

American  

[kuhn-spik-yoo-uhs] / kənˈspɪk yu əs /

adjective

1. easily seen or noticed; readily visible or observable.

   a conspicuous error.

   Synonyms:

   salient, marked, clear, noticeable, manifest

2. attracting special attention, as by outstanding qualities or eccentricities.

   He was conspicuous by his booming laughter.

   Synonyms:

   noteworthy, striking, prominent

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conspicuous British  

/ kənˈspɪkjʊəs /

adjective

1. clearly visible; obvious or showy

2. attracting attention because of a striking quality or feature

   conspicuous stupidity

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Other Word Forms

• conspicuity noun
• conspicuously adverb
• conspicuousness noun

Etymology

Origin of conspicuous

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin conspicuus “clearly seen, visible,” equivalent to conspic(ere) “to see, catch sight of” + -uus adjective suffix; conspectus; contiguous, continuous, -ous

Example Sentences

“Unfortunately, in Minneapolis, I call this a contrast in operations, a vast, conspicuous contrast in operations,” U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

Once they sprout, its tall and graceful characteristics are very conspicuous and catch people’s eye, said David Campbell, an expert on mushroom consumption or a mycophagist.

From Los Angeles Times

Approval can be given verbally, in writing, or by “clear and conspicuous signage.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The conspicuous consumption in “The Queen of Sparkle” section includes her diamond brooch and pendant, and her jewelry chest, made by Martin Carlin in 1770, whose adornment of Sèvres porcelain set a trend.

From The Wall Street Journal

This tic has been a conspicuous and unhelpful feature of Japanese policymaking in recent decades.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• blatant
• flagrant
• glaring
• influential
• notable
• remarkable
• salient
• striking