Reading Theme:
Conspicuous Definition, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：easily noticeable (conspicuous)
conspicuous
/kənˈspɪkjuəs/
adj.
Easy to see or notice because it is different or stands out.
easily noticeable
➕
/ˈiːzɪli ˈnoʊtɪsəbəl/
adj.
Something that is conspicuous is very easy to see or notice because it is different from its surroundings or attracts attention.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'conspicuus' (visible), from 'con-' (completely) + 'specere' (to look).
💡 Mnemonic
Con (with) + spic (look) → something that stands out so much everyone looks at it.
📖 Example
She wore a bright pink dress to the party, making her very conspicuous.
She was easily noticeable at the party because she wore a bright pink dress.
🔗 Collocations
conspicuous consumption – spending on luxury goods to flaunt wealth
conspicuous by absence – noticeable because it is missing
make oneself conspicuous – draw attention to oneself
🔄 Synonyms
noticeable (adj.) – easy to see or notice
prominent (adj.) – important or easily seen
obvious (adj.) – easily perceived or understood
🚫 Antonyms
inconspicuous (adj.) – not easily noticed
unnoticeable (adj.) – not noticeable
hidden (adj.) – concealed from view
🌱 Derivatives
conspicuously (adv.) – in a way that is easily noticeable
conspicuousness (n.) – the quality of being easy to see
conspicuity (n.) – rare, meaning the same as conspicuousness
📖 Cultural Story
In ancient Rome, 'conspicere' meant 'to catch sight of'. The word evolved to describe something that catches the eye. Today it is often used in social contexts, like 'conspicuous consumption' coined by economist Thorstein Veblen.
Meaning 2：deliberately noticeable (conspicuous)
conspicuous
/kənˈspɪkjuəs/
adj.
Doing something in a way that deliberately attracts attention or is easily observed because it’s unusual.
deliberately noticeable
➕
/dɪˈlɪbərətli ˈnoʊtɪsəbəl/
adj.
If someone's actions are conspicuous, they are done in a way that is meant to attract attention or be easily observed because they are unusual.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He made a conspicuous effort to announce his donation, hoping for public recognition.
He made a noticeable effort to announce his donation, hoping for public recognition.
🔗 Collocations
conspicuous effort – effort that is deliberately noticeable
conspicuous display – a showy exhibition intended to attract attention
conspicuous consumption – spending on luxury goods to flaunt wealth
🔄 Synonyms
showy (adj.) – attracting attention by being colorful or flashy
ostentatious (adj.) – designed to impress or attract notice
flamboyant (adj.) – dashing in appearance or behavior
🚫 Antonyms
modest (adj.) – unassuming or not boastful
unassuming (adj.) – not attracting attention
subtle (adj.) – not obvious or flashy
🌱 Derivatives
conspicuously (adv.) – in a way that is intended to attract attention
conspicuousness (n.) – the quality of being deliberately noticeable
conspicuity (n.) – rare, meaning the same as conspicuousness
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