perspicuous

[ per-spik-yoo-uhs ]

adjective

1. clearly expressed or presented; lucid.

   Synonyms: explicit, distinct, plain, intelligible

   Antonyms: indistinct, obscure

2. perspicacious ( def 1 ).

perspicuous

/ pəˈspɪkjʊəs /

adjective

1. (of speech or writing) easily understood; lucid

Derived Forms

• perˈspicuousness, noun
• perˈspicuously, adverb

Other Words From

• per·spicu·ous·ly adverb
• per·spicu·ous·ness noun
• unper·spicu·ous adjective
• unper·spicu·ous·ly adverb
• unper·spicu·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspicuous¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin perspicuus “transparent, clearly visible,” equivalent to perspic(ere), “to look over, inspect, survey” (formed from preposition and prefix per, per- “through; thoroughly” + -spicere, combining form of specere “to see, observe, look”) + -uus adjective suffix; per-, inspect )

Word History and Origins

Origin of perspicuous¹

C15: from Latin perspicuus transparent, from perspicere to explore thoroughly; see perspective

Example Sentences

Bunyan he admired for his genius and perspicuous style rather than for his sentiments.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Hardy, in a very eloquent and perspicuous opening, stated the facts of the case.

From Project Gutenberg

The sermon delivered was simple, perspicuous, and well calculated to fix the attention of the audience.

From Project Gutenberg

They seem to me to be perspicuous and intelligible in every part and in every sentence.

From Project Gutenberg

In explaining and defending the doctrines and precepts of Christianity he was calm, perspicuous, and often very ingenious.

From Project Gutenberg