CONSPICUOUS Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com (original) (raw)

[k_uh_n-spik-yoo-_uh_s] / kənˈspɪk yu əs /

adjective

easily seen or noticed; readily visible or observable.

a conspicuous error.
Synonyms:
salient, marked, clear, noticeable, manifest
attracting special attention, as by outstanding qualities or eccentricities.

He was conspicuous by his booming laughter.
Synonyms:
noteworthy, striking, prominent

conspicuous British

/ kənˈspɪkjʊəs /

adjective

clearly visible; obvious or showy
attracting attention because of a striking quality or feature

conspicuous stupidity

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of conspicuous

First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin conspicuus “clearly seen, visible,” equivalent to conspic(ere) “to see, catch sight of” + -uus adjective suffix; see also conspectus; cf. contiguous, continuous, -ous

Explanation

Keep your eye on the adjective conspicuous for something that stands out so much you notice it right away — like that zit in the center of your friend's forehead. Conspicuous comes from the adjectival form of the Latin verb, conspicere, meaning "to look at." Conspicuous can mean either very obvious to the eye (like something that is conspicuous from a distance) or attracting attention (like conspicuous consumption). If you are doing something wrong, it's wise not to be conspicuous about it!

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Vocabulary lists containing conspicuous

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

With his trademark long-potting ability conspicuous by its absence, Wu repeatedly left Murphy opportunities to capitalise.

FromBBC • May 4, 2026

Such editorial tensions manifested publicly, through conspicuous C-suite churn.

FromSlate • Apr. 21, 2026

The best things in life are not always free, but there’s plenty you can do without conspicuous consumption.

FromMarketWatch • Apr. 17, 2026

Leavitt and other members of the Trump administration have made an conspicuous display of their Christian faith.

FromBarron's • Mar. 30, 2026

One had already been plowed and the polished edges of the furrows caught the light with a dull glint, conspicuous from the ridge above.

From"Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023