Word
conspicuous
Phoneticscon·spic·u·ous, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈspɪkjuəs/
UK/kənspˈɪkjuːəs/
Definitions
01easy to see
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. very easy to notice or see.
adj. obvious to the eye or mind; attracting attention by being striking or unusual.
“The red bird was very conspicuous against the white snow.”
“The new skyscraper was conspicuous on the city skyline, towering over the historic brick buildings that surrounded it.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'among' or 'against' to show contrast.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02attracting unwanted attention
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. noticing something because it stands out in a way that might be embarrassing or strange.
adj. attracting attention in a manner that is often perceived as ostentatious, inappropriate, or unattractive.
“He felt very conspicuous standing there in his bright suit while everyone else wore black.”
“The celebrity tried to stay quiet, but her large security detail made her presence in the small café quite conspicuous.”
Teaching tip
This sense often carries a slightly negative or uncomfortable tone, suggesting the person or thing stands out more than they should.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“In France there has been a ban on wearing any conspicuous religious symbols, including headscarves, turbans and kippas, in schools for more than 20 years.” “Fauxmance?) with Andrew Garfield, with whom she had shared some conspicuous chemistry on various red carpets.” Etymology
From Latin conspicuus (“visible, striking”), from cōnspicere (“to notice”), from con- (“with, together”) + specere (“to look at”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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