Words / C1

k-uh-n-SPIK-yoo-uh-s/kənˈspɪkjuəs/

Conspicuous means easy to notice, sometimes uncomfortably so: a conspicuous error, conspicuous by their absence (an idiom). Obvious is everyday and more neutral; noticeable is milder. Inconspicuous is the opposite (what you want when you hope not to be seen). Conspicuously is the adverb. In speech, stands out or you could not miss it is enough.

Meaning

Easy to notice; attracting attention, sometimes in an unwanted way.

Examples

• “His red coat made him conspicuous in the crowd.”
• “A conspicuous logo on the slides undermined the “neutral” tone.”
• “He felt conspicuous in a suit among weekend shoppers.”

Good to know

Easy to notice, sometimes unwanted. Opposite: inconspicuous. Idiom: conspicuous by their absence. Everyday: stands out.

Near in meaning

noticeable

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