What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
saliency
Example
The bright red color of the stop sign adds to its saliency. [saliency: noun]
Example
The saliency of the celebrity's outfit drew the attention of the paparazzi. [saliency: noun]
distinctiveness
Example
The distinctiveness of her voice made her stand out in the singing competition. [distinctiveness: noun]
Example
The distinctiveness of the building's architecture made it a popular tourist attraction. [distinctiveness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distinctiveness is more commonly used than saliency in everyday language. Distinctiveness is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while saliency is more technical and specific to certain fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between saliency and distinctiveness?
Both saliency and distinctiveness can be used in formal and informal contexts, but saliency may be perceived as more technical and formal due to its usage in psychology and cognitive science.
