Reading Theme:
Prominent: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：well-known and important (prominent)
prominent
/ˈprɒmɪnənt/
adj.
Well-known and important, often describing people or things that are famous.
well-known and important
➕
/ˌwel ˈnəʊn ənd ɪmˈpɔːtnt/
adj.
Describing someone or something that is widely recognized and holds a position of significance or influence.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'prominere' (to jut out), from 'pro-' (forward) + 'minere' (to project).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a PRO athlete standing on the winner's podium (MINent spot) – they are prominent.
📖 Example
She played a prominent role in the environmental movement, inspiring many people.
She played a prominent role in the environmental movement, inspiring many people.
🔗 Collocations
prominent figure – a well-known and important person
play a prominent role – to have an important and noticeable part in something
prominent feature – a noticeable or important characteristic
🔄 Synonyms
distinguished (adj.) – Very successful and commanding great respect.
eminent (adj.) – Famous and respected within a particular sphere.
notable (adj.) – Worthy of attention or notice; remarkable.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
prominently (adv.) – In a way that is easily seen or noticed; importantly.
prominence (n.) – The state of being important, famous, or noticeable.
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English in the late 15th century, directly from Latin. Its original sense was purely physical ('sticking out'). Over time, it gained its figurative meaning of 'standing out' in importance or fame, mirroring the visual metaphor.
Meaning 2：sticking out (prominent)
prominent
/ˈprɒmɪnənt/
adj.
Sticking out or easily seen, such as a physical feature that stands out.
sticking out
➕
/ˈstɪkɪŋ aʊt/
adj.
Describing a physical part or feature that projects outward from a surface or is very noticeable.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The prominent cliff edge offered a stunning view of the valley below.
The prominent cliff edge offered a stunning view of the valley below.
🔗 Collocations
prominent nose – a nose that sticks out noticeably from the face
prominent landmark – a very visible and recognizable natural or man-made feature
prominent display – placed in a position where it is easily seen
🔄 Synonyms
conspicuous (adj.) – Clearly visible; attracting notice or attention.
noticeable (adj.) – Easily seen or noticed; clear or apparent.
protruding (adj.) – Sticking out from or through something.
🚫 Antonyms
inconspicuous (adj.) – Not clearly visible or attracting attention.
recessed (adj.) – Set back or built into a surrounding surface.
Wordbook
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