conspicuously
/kən'spikjuəsli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
The bright red sports car was parked conspicuously in the center of the empty parking lot.
Definition
- Adverb:
- In a way that is clearly visible or noticeable; strikingly to the eye or mind. It describes something done in a manner that attracts attention because it is obvious, prominent, or stands out from its surroundings.
- In a way that is so obvious as to be significant or noteworthy, often implying a surprising or negative absence or presence. Used to highlight something that is remarkably present or absent in a given context.
Usage and Examples
To describe something physically prominent or eye-catching:
- The monument was conspicuously placed at the center of the square.
- She was conspicuously dressed in bright red at the party.
To highlight a notable, often surprising, presence or absence:
- The report was conspicuously silent on the issue of funding. (It notably lacked mention of funding.)
- His name was conspicuously absent from the guest list.
- The manager praised the team but conspicuously failed to mention my contribution.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Conspicuously" often carries a connotation of intentionality or significance. The noticeable quality is not accidental but is due to importance, oddity, or a deliberate act.
- It can be used in formal and academic writing to point out contradictions, omissions, or emphatic presences.
- The policy promises equality, yet it conspicuously benefits only a select few.
Variants and Related Words
- Conspicuous (adjective): Easily seen or noticed; attracting attention.
- He made a conspicuous effort to arrive on time.
- Conspicuousness (noun): The quality of being conspicuous.
- The conspicuousness of the error made it impossible to ignore.
Synonyms
- Noticeably: In a way that is easily seen or noticed.
- Prominently: In a leading, important, or conspicuous position.
- Strikingly: In a way that attracts attention by being unusual or extreme.
- Obviously: In a way that is easily perceived or understood; clearly.
- Remarkably: In a noteworthy or extraordinary manner.
Antonyms
- Inconspicuously: In a way that is not easily seen or noticed; unobtrusively.
- Unobtrusively: In a way that is not conspicuous or attracting attention.
Related Phrases and Idiomatic Use
- Conspicuous by one's absence: Used to say that someone or something is very noticeable because they are not present.
- The CEO was conspicuous by his absence at the annual meeting.
- Conspicuous consumption: The act of buying and using expensive products to publicly display wealth.
- The mansion and sports cars were acts of conspicuous consumption.
The bright red sports car was parked conspicuously in the center of the empty parking lot.
Adverb
- in a prominent way
- the new car was prominently displayed in the driveway
- in a manner tending to attract attention
- there have been plenty of general declarations about willingness to meet and talk, but conspicuously no mention of time and place