conspicuous
kun-SPIK-yoo-us
/kənˈspɪkjuəs/
Standing out so as to be clearly visible; attracting notice or attention.
Often implies that something is so obvious it cannot be ignored, sometimes in an embarrassing or unwanted way.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'conspicuus', from 'conspicere' (to get a look at). The 'con-' prefix acts as an intensifier, meaning it is 'thoroughly' looked at because it is so visible.
Word relationships
- noticeable: Noticeable is a weaker term; conspicuous implies it is impossible to miss.
- prominent: Prominent often implies importance or physical sticking out.
- inconspicuous: Not clearly visible or attracting attention.
- subtle: So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe.
Commonly confused with
- obvious: Obvious refers to something easily understood; conspicuous refers to something easily seen.
Word family
- conspicuously (adverb): In a way that attracts notice.
Collocations
- conspicuous by its absence
- conspicuous success
- highly conspicuous
Idioms & expressions
- conspicuous by one's absence
Example sentences
- "The bird's bright red feathers made it conspicuous against the white snow." Social observation
- "Conspicuous consumption is the spending of money on luxury goods to display economic power." Economics
Memory hook
If you are 'conspicuous', everyone can 'spic' (see) you. Can't miss it.
When not to use
Do not use for something that is simply 'clear'; use it when something 'pops out' from its surroundings.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'conspicuous by its absence' was first used to describe the lack of certain statues in a Roman funeral procession.
Related words
Explore more words
prominence, spectacle, unobtrusive, salience, resplendent, intrusive
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