conspicuous
UK: kənˈspɪk.ju.əs | US: kənˈspɪk.ju.əs
adj. easily seen or noticed; striking in appearance
adj. attracting attention, often in a way that is undesirable
conspicuous = con<together> + spic<look> + uous<adjective suffix>
- con (from Latin con-, meaning "together" or "completely")
- spic (from Latin specere, meaning "to look")
- uous (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, indicating "full of" or "characterized by")
Etymology Origin:
The word conspicuous originates from Latin conspicuus ("visible, striking"), derived from conspicere ("to look at attentively"). The root spic (related to specere, "to see") appears in many English words (e.g., inspect, suspect). The prefix con- intensifies the meaning, suggesting something that "stands out when looked at together" with its surroundings. Over time, the term evolved to emphasize visibility, often with a nuance of attracting undue attention.
The bright red flowers were conspicuous against the green foliage.
His loud laughter made him conspicuous in the quiet library.
The error in the report was so conspicuous that no one missed it.
She avoided wearing conspicuous jewelry to the formal event.
The celebrity tried to remain inconspicuous but was quickly recognized.