conspicuous

pronunciation

How to pronounce conspicuous in British English: UK [kənˈspɪkjuəs]word uk audio image

How to pronounce conspicuous in American English: US [kənˈspɪkjuəs] word us audio image

  • Adjective:
    obvious to the eye or mind
    without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious

Word Origin

conspicuous (adj.)
1540s, from Latin conspicuus "visible, open to view, striking," from conspicere "to look at, observe, see, notice," from com-, intensive prefix (see com-), + specere (see scope (n.1)). Phrase conspicuous by its absence (1859) is said to be from Tacitus ("Annals" iii.76), in a passage about certain images: "sed præfulgebant ... eo ipso quod effigies eorum non visebantur."

Synonym

Antonym

Example

1. Careful readers will note one conspicuous absence so far .
2. The distortions in the gulf states are even more conspicuous .
3. The conspicuous red patches indicate areas of exposed rock .
4. Conspicuous by their absence were televisions .
5. Gridlock around beijing has been a conspicuous problem as more chinese buy private cars .

more: >How to Use "conspicuous" with Example Sentences