Salient Meaning and Definition
Salient
Pronunciation
/ˈsælint/
Part of Speech
Noun or Adjective
Definition
A salient refers to a feature or characteristic that stands out or is prominent, often in a crowd or among a group of similar items.
Examples
- The bright red color of the building made the salient architectural feature stand out.
- She was the salient figure in the crowd, her bright smile drawing attention to herself.
Synonyms
- Prominent
- Notable
- Conspicuous
Antonyms
- Inconspicuous
- Unremarkable
Additional Information
A salient feature can be a striking aspect of an object, person, or situation that grabs one’s attention. It can also refer to a person who stands out due to their exceptional abilities or characteristics. In biology, a salient is also a type of amphibian characterized by its distinctive characteristics.
The term “salient” has its roots in Latin, where it means “sticking out” or “projecting”. In modern usage, it is often used to describe something that stands out due to its prominence, color, or shape.
Etymology
The word “salient” comes from the Latin “salire”, meaning “to leap” or “to spring”, likely due to its original meaning of something that sticks out or protrudes.
Usage Notes
When using the term “salient” as an adjective, it often describes something that is conspicuous or noteworthy. As a noun, it typically refers to a person or feature that stands out.
Cultural References
Salient has appeared in various forms of media, such as literature, film, and music. In literature, the concept of salient has been explored in works like “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some idiomatic expressions that include the word “salient” include:
- “Sticking out like a sore thumb”
- “Standing out in a crowd”
Related Words or Phrases
Other words or phrases that are related in meaning to “salient” include:
- Prominent
- Conspicuous
- Flagrant
Collocations
Some common collocations with the word “salient” include:
- “Salient feature”
- “Salient aspect”
- “Salient characteristic”
Frequency of Use
The word “salient” is relatively uncommon in everyday language, but it appears frequently in literary and academic contexts.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “salient” include:
- Salian
- Silient
- Salien