Definition

Noun: A state, position, or approach that is designed to attract a significant amount of public attention, scrutiny, or publicity. It implies a prominent and visible presence in the media or public sphere.

Usage

This term is used to describe individuals, organizations, or actions that are deliberately kept in the public eye. It often contrasts with a "low profile," which seeks to avoid attention. It functions as a noun, most commonly in the phrase "a high profile" or as a compound adjective "high-profile."

Examples

• The new government campaign has a high profile, with advertisements on every major network.
• After the scandal, the company's CEO maintained a high profile to reassure investors.
• She took a high-profile role as the ambassador for the charity.
• The case attracted high-profile lawyers from across the country.

Advanced Usage

• "To keep/maintain a high profile": To consciously remain visible and active in public or media discussions.
  • The activist kept a high profile to keep the issue in the news.
• "To adopt/take on a high profile": To move from a less visible position to a more public one.
  • The quiet researcher was reluctant to adopt such a high profile after winning the prize.

Variants and Related Words

• High-profile (adjective): Used attributively to describe a noun that attracts much attention.
  • It was a high-profile merger between two tech giants.
• Low profile (noun): The opposite state, seeking to avoid public attention.
  • After retiring, the actor kept a very low profile.

Synonyms

• Prominence
• Visibility
• Publicity
• Limelight

Antonyms

• Low profile
• Obscurity
• Anonymity

Related Idioms and Phrases

• In the public eye: A similar concept meaning to be well-known to the public.
  • Politicians are constantly in the public eye.
• To seek/avoid the limelight: To actively pursue or avoid public attention and fame.
  • She performs brilliantly but avoids the limelight in her personal life.

Noun

1. a position attracting much attention and publicity