Conspicuous

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kÉ™nˈspɪk.ju.É™s/

Origin

From Latin conspicuus ("visible, striking"), from cōnspicere ("to notice"), from con- ("with, together") + specere ("to look at")

Full definition of conspicuous

Adjective

1. Obvious or easy to notice.
• 1928, Lawrence R. Bourne, Well Tackled! Chapter 7, “No, don't,” replied the superintendent; “in fact, I'd rather you made yourself conspicuous elsewhere. Go down to the landing stage and cross to New Brighton or Wallasey—doesn't matter which—and come back. No doubt you will be seen, and reported to have gone across.”
2. He was conspicuous by his absence.
3. Noticeable or attracting attention, especially if unattractive.
• 1969, Saul Bellow, Mr Sammler's Planet, Penguin Books Ltd, page 6:For his height he had a small face. The combination made him conspicuous.
4. He had a conspicuous lump on his forehead.

Antonyms

• inconspicuous

Related terms

• conspicuity
• conspicuousness