What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
conspicuous
Example
The bright red car was conspicuous among the sea of white vehicles. [conspicuous: adjective]
Example
His absence from the meeting was conspicuous and raised suspicions. [conspicuous: adjective]
prominent
Example
The prominent building in the city center is a popular tourist attraction. [prominent: adjective]
Example
She is a prominent scientist in the field of genetics. [prominent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prominent is more commonly used than conspicuous in everyday language. Prominent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while conspicuous is less common and often used in negative situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between conspicuous and prominent?
Both conspicuous and prominent can be used in formal and informal contexts, but prominent is generally considered more formal due to its association with importance and significance.