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

As they read out their statements, what stood out first was the conspicuous display of mutual respect.

From BBC

The first conspicuous virtue of the Constitution of Innovation project is its comparative modesty, arguing that the powers Brussels already has are more than enough.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Simon, I have no doubt that you are an excellent thief, and a dreadful knave, and a rascally rogue as well. But you would be far too conspicuous in an all-girls’ school.

From Literature

There are conspicuous downsides for a nonprofit company getting accustomed to enhancement money from outside producers.

From Los Angeles Times

“Wallachians were accustomed to give it as a surname to any person who rendered himself conspicuous either by courage, cruel actions, or cunning.”

From Salon

Related Words

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