What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
salient
Example
The salient feature of the painting was its use of vibrant colors. [salient: adjective]
Example
The castle's salient tower could be seen from miles away. [salient: noun]
prominent
Example
The prominent building in the skyline was the tallest one. [prominent: adjective]
Example
The scientist was a prominent figure in the field of genetics. [prominent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prominent is more commonly used than salient in everyday language. Prominent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while salient is less common and often used in more technical or specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between salient and prominent?
Both salient and prominent can be used in formal or informal contexts, but salient may be more commonly used in technical or academic writing due to its specialized connotation.
