🔵 Conspicuous Meaning - Conspicuously Examples - Define Conspicuous - Conspicuous Consumption

Summary

This video explains the meaning of 'conspicuous,' an adjective used to describe something that is easily noticeable or striking. Examples include a large nose, a tall person in a crowd, or something glaringly missing, like an absent name from a list. The video also touches on related terms like 'conspicuously' (adverb) and 'conspicuousness' (noun), as well as the phrase 'conspicuous consumption,' referring to buying expensive items to showcase wealth. The word is slightly formal but suitable for both casual and academic contexts. Overall, 'conspicuous' is about being clearly visible or attracting attention.

Takeaways

• 😀 Conspicuous is an adjective that describes something easily noticeable or striking.
• 😀 The word comes from the Latin verb 'specere,' which means to look or to look at attentively.
• 😀 Something conspicuous attracts attention due to its qualities or features, making it easy to see.
• 😀 Examples of conspicuous things include a very tall person in a crowd or a large nose.
• 😀 The phrase 'conspicuous consumption' refers to buying expensive things to show off wealth or status.
• 😀 'Conspicuously' is the adverb form of the word, and 'conspicuousness' is the noun form.
• 😀 Conspicuousness can be used to describe anything that stands out or is easy to notice.
• 😀 An example sentence: 'Her anger was conspicuous by her silence,' meaning it was obvious.
• 😀 The word is slightly formal but can still be used in casual conversations and is ideal for essays.
• 😀 An herbivore might try to make itself inconspicuous to predators by blending into its natural environment.

Q & A

What does the adjective 'conspicuous' mean?

'Conspicuous' describes something that attracts attention, is easy to notice, or stands out due to being clearly visible or striking.

Can you give an example of 'conspicuous' used in a sentence?

Sure! For example, 'Her anger was conspicuous by her silence,' meaning her anger was very noticeable because she wasn’t speaking.

What is the origin of the word 'conspicuous'?

The word comes from Latin, derived from the verb 'spary', meaning 'to look or to look at', combined with 'con', which suggests attention or focus.

How is 'conspicuous' related to the word 'conspicuously'?

'Conspicuous' is the adjective form, and 'conspicuously' is the adverb form, meaning in a way that attracts attention or stands out.

What is 'conspicuous consumption'?

'Conspicuous consumption' refers to people buying expensive goods not out of necessity, but to show off their wealth and status to others.

Can you give an example of conspicuous consumption?

An example could be someone purchasing a gold Rolex watch purely to display their wealth, not because they need it.

What is the opposite of 'conspicuous'?

The opposite would be 'inconspicuous', meaning something that is not easily noticed or blends into the background.

In what contexts can the word 'conspicuous' be used?

'Conspicuous' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in essays or general conversation. It’s slightly more formal but still accessible for everyday use.

What does it mean when someone is described as 'conspicuously absent'?

This means the person’s absence is obvious and noticeable, perhaps because it was expected that they would be present, but they were not.

Is the word 'conspicuous' suitable for casual conversation?

Yes, 'conspicuous' can be used in casual conversation, though it’s slightly more formal, and it’s especially useful in academic or formal writing.