What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
salient
Example
The salient features of the new product were highlighted in the presentation. [salient: adjective]
Example
The mountain range had several salient peaks that stood out against the skyline. [salient: adjective]
Example
The salient point of the debate was the need for more funding in education. [salient: noun]
conspicuous
Example
The bright red car was conspicuous among the sea of white vehicles. [conspicuous: adjective]
Example
The celebrity tried to avoid being conspicuous in public by wearing a hat and sunglasses. [conspicuous: adjective]
Example
The statue's conspicuous size and detail made it a popular tourist attraction. [conspicuous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conspicuous is more commonly used than salient in everyday language, especially when describing physical features or behavior. Salient is more commonly used in academic or technical writing to describe important or relevant ideas.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between salient and conspicuous?
Salient is generally considered more formal than conspicuous, as it is often used in academic or technical contexts. However, both words can be used in formal or informal settings depending on the context and tone of the writing or speech.
