Conspicuous Meaning and Definition
Conspicuous
Pronunciation
/ˈkɒnsipʃəs/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
Prominent, noticeable, or striking; attracting attention.
Examples
- The bright pink dress made her look conspicuous at the party.
- The new employee’s expensive watch made him look conspicuous at work.
Etymology
From Latin conspicuus, from conspicere, to see clearly.
Usage Notes
Conspicuous can be used to describe something or someone that is noticeable or attention-grabbing, whether positively or negatively. It can also be used to describe something that is prominent or striking.
Cultural References
Conspicuous has appeared in various contexts, including literature, film, and television. For example, in the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the character Jay Gatsby is described as being conspicuous in his lavish lifestyle.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Standing out like a sore thumb
Related Words or Phrases
- Noticeable
- Obvious
- Vibrant
Collocations
- be conspicuous
- stand out
- make an impression
Frequency of Use
Conspicuous is a moderately common word in modern English, with a frequency of use comparable to other adjectives used to describe appearance or attention.
Common Misspellings
- Conspicious
- Conspicuus