# salient

/ˈseɪɫiənt/ (US) · /sˈeɪliənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/salient
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

describes the most important or noticeable part of something. You use this to talk about the main points that stand out from the rest.

For teachers: most noticeable or important; prominent. Often describes features, points, or characteristics that stand out from their surroundings or context.

## Examples

- The most salient point of his speech was the need for change.
- When summarizing the report, please focus only on the salient facts rather than the minor details.
- The researcher identified several salient features in the data that contradicted the previous hypothesis, forcing the team to reconsider their entire approach to the problem.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun; often pairs with 'point', 'feature', or 'characteristic'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.