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conspicuous

conspicuous

55 5.1
Easy to see and notice because it stands out
  • adjective
  • /kənˈspɪk.ju.əs/
translation icon : llamativo
  • He wore a conspicuous red coat that made him stand out in the crowd.
  • a conspicuous absence
  • conspicuous consumption
  • a conspicuous display

I'm not sure the right mechanism is actual conspicuous altruism.

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Examples

  • We ditch the van, trade it for something less conspicuous and get the hell out of here.

  • You put this trap in a conspicuous place.

  • Just try not to be too conspicuous, okay?

  • For now, we need to make ourselves less conspicuous.

  • Both of them are scenes of conspicuous virtue in high places.

  • You were not chosen for your conspicuous honor or high ideals.

  • Well, I could list its most conspicuous features... if that would help jog the memory.

  • You're very conspicuous in Tokyo.

  • Bas-reliefs in early China and India were used in conspicuous locations to communicate information.

    Academic text (1990)
  • Another significant change in Riyadh's strategic behavior was the kingdom's conspicuous display of power.

    Academic text (2015)

Synonyms

visible
vsconspicuous
398 1.0

Easy to see or notice

focuses more on attracting attention because it stands out
prominent
vsconspicuous
353 3.9

Easy to see or remember because it stands out

emphasizes visual standing out rather than social importance
blatant
vsconspicuous
96 4.5

Very obvious and done openly without shame

is more neutral, attracting attention without moral judgment
flashy
vsconspicuous
69 4.1

Very bright or showy in a way that attracts attention

can be noticeable without implying bad taste or excess
noticeable
vsconspicuous
65 3.2

Easy to see, hear, or recognize

refers mainly to visual obviousness and standing out
unmistakable
vsconspicuous
43 3.9

Very clear and easy to recognize

is less absolute and may simply attract attention rather than guarantee uniqueness
flamboyant
vsconspicuous
35 6.5

Being very bright and showy to attract attention

covers general obviousness, not specifically decorative or theatrical style
manifest
vsconspicuous
  • Formal
26 4.2

Easy to see or notice, often showing a feeling

is more about standing out to attract attention than mere clarity
eye-catching
vsconspicuous
14 3.9

Attracts attention because it looks bright or unusual

is more general and can mean simple obviousness rather than style
in evidence
vsconspicuous
12 4.4

Easily seen or noticed

is used more broadly to mean stands out or attracts attention
ostentatious
vsconspicuous
11 7.7

To show off very expensive things to attract attention

is any thing that stands out, not only intentionally pretentious displays
showy
vsconspicuous
8 3.2

Bright or fancy in a way that draws attention

is about being noticeable for any reason, not only decorative display
obtrusive
vsconspicuous
4 7.2

Noticeable in a way that attracts unwanted attention

attracts attention but can be neutral rather than unwelcome
glaringly apparent
vsconspicuous
1 3.5

Very clear and hard to miss

is noticeable but less extreme in its obviousness
blazing
vsconspicuous
4.0

Very obvious and showing no attempt to hide it

is used for general obviousness without implied blame or concealment
loudish
vsconspicuous
  • Informal
6.7

Bright and a little showy in appearance

is often more strongly obvious or clearly visible rather than mildly showy

Antonyms

15 6.9

Not easy to see or notice

2 4.6

Hard to see or notice

Compounds

Buying expensive things to show others you have wealth or status

How Noticeable

glaring
12 4.3
obvious
1.0
striking
56 3.8
conspicuous
55 5.1
noticeable
65 3.2
subtle
276 6.0
inconspicuous
15 6.9

Surface Forms

conspicuous positive
conspicuouser comparative
conspicuousest superlative

Morphology

conspicuous = con + spic + ous

The meaning ('easily seen') matches the combining form 'spic-' (see) plus the adjectival suffix '-ous', but 'spic' is not a standalone modern English word so the decomposition is not fully obvious to average learners.

Etymology

The word conspicuous comes from Latin parts con- meaning 'together' and spicere meaning 'to look', the same root you find in inspect. So something conspicuous is 'seen clearly' or 'looked at by many', which is why it stands out and draws attention.