Definition

Adjective: 1. Very noticeable or obvious; strongly marked: Describes something that is easily perceived or distinctly evident. 2. Clearly stated or expressed: Describes an opinion, view, or feature that is definite and unambiguous.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • She has a pronounced accent that reveals her native region.
  • There is a pronounced difference in quality between the two products.
  • He holds pronounced views on environmental policy.

Advanced Usage

• "Pronounced" in Linguistics: In phonetics, a sound is described as being pronounced when it is articulated clearly and audibly. However, in this specific adjectival sense, it refers to the distinctness of a feature, not the act of articulation.
  • The 'k' in 'knight' is no longer pronounced in modern English. (Here, 'pronounced' is a verb form; the adjectival form would describe the distinctness of a feature, e.g., a pronounced nasal tone.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pronounce (verb): To make the sound of a word or letter; to declare or announce formally.
  • Can you pronounce this word for me?
• Pronunciation (noun): The way in which a word is pronounced.
  • Her pronunciation is very clear.
• Pronounceable (adjective): Able to be pronounced.
  • The chemical name is barely pronounceable.

Synonyms

• Noticeable: Easily seen or noticed.
• Distinct: Readily distinguishable; clear.
• Marked: Clearly evident; noticeable.
• Conspicuous: Standing out so as to be clearly visible.
• Definite: Clearly stated or decided; not vague.

Antonyms

• Subtle: So delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe; not obvious.
• Faint: Barely perceptible; not clear or loud.
• Indistinct: Not clear or sharply defined.
• Unnoticeable: Not easily observed or noticed.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Pronounced effect: A very clear and significant result or influence.
  • The new law had a pronounced effect on crime rates.
• Pronounced feature: A particularly distinct or outstanding characteristic.
  • His most pronounced feature is his determined chin.
• Pronounced tendency: A strong and clear inclination or likelihood.
  • The data shows a pronounced tendency toward warmer winters.

Adjective

1. strongly marked; easily noticeable
   • walked with a marked limp
   • a pronounced flavor of cinnamon