English vocabulary · C1
Salient
/ˈseɪ.li.ənt/ · adj.
Salient means easy to see because it stands out. It is the part you notice first, even in a busy place. Your eyes go to it.
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Example sentences
- Her red coat was salient in the crowd.
- The bright sign was salient at night.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- sali — leap (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- NOTABLE — worth noticing (Worth Noticing)
- STRIKING — easy to notice (Easy To Notice)
- PROMINENT — easy to see (Easy To See)
Similar words
- notable
- striking
- prominent
Lesson notes
Salient means easy to see because it stands out. It is the part you notice first, even in a busy place. Your eyes go to it.
Related: notable, striking, prominent. Use salient when one part stands out most.
Her red coat was salient in the crowd. The bright sign was salient at night.
From Latin. Sali- means leap. A detail that leaps out first is salient.