The phrase "be conspicuous" means to stand out or be easily noticed. It is spelled /bi kənˈspɪkyuəs/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The stressed syllable is the second one, and the vowel in that syllable is pronounced as the short 'i' sound as in the word 'sit.' The 'c' in the middle of the word is pronounced as a 'k' sound, and there is a schwa sound between the 'k' and 's' sounds. The final syllable is pronounced with a more emphasized 'u' sound as in 'put.'
To be conspicuous means to attract attention or to be easily seen or noticed due to standing out in some way. It refers to something or someone that is noticeably different, outstanding, or prominent in comparison to its surroundings or peers. The term often implies that the object or person in question may be visible or noticeable from a distance or at a glance.
When an object or individual is conspicuous, it may possess certain characteristics that make it stand out, such as its size, color, shape, or behavior. It can also refer to actions or behaviors that draw attention deliberately or unintentionally.
For example, a brightly colored car amidst a sea of dull-colored vehicles would be conspicuous on the road. Similarly, a person wearing loud and unconventional clothing in a conservative environment could be described as conspicuous. Likewise, a celebrity's fame and constant media presence make them highly conspicuous figures in society.
Being conspicuous does not necessarily imply positive or negative connotations; it simply describes something or someone that stands out from the ordinary or what is considered normal in a given context. The degree of conspicuousness can vary depending on the level of contrast with the surroundings and the extent to which it draws attention.
The word "conspicuous" originates from the Latin word "conspicuus", which means "visible" or "conspicuous". This Latin term is derived from the verb "conspicere", which combines the prefix "con-" (meaning "together") and the root "specere" (meaning "to look" or "to see"). Therefore, "conspicuus" literally translates to "to look together" or "to see together". Over time, "conspicuus" evolved into "conspicuous" in English, with the same meaning of being easily noticeable or attracting attention.