conspicuous figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conspicuous figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that stands out and is easily noticeable, often due to their appearance or presence. Example: "The artist was a conspicuous figure at the gallery, drawing attention with her vibrant attire and confident demeanor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

She was a conspicuous figure on campus: the department's only freshman girl in a military uniform.

The New Yorker

Fool or not, Mr. Lott will most likely become a far less conspicuous figure now.

The New York Times

He had become, at age 31, the most conspicuous figure in Irish politics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He should be a conspicuous figure but Scotland has mostly come to consider him something of a native.

Independent

In the 1970's she became a conspicuous figure at public hearings, society balls and ghetto demonstrations with her bouffant hairdo, rhinestone-studded glasses and cigars.

The New York Times

Sampson was happy to remain in the background, a slight and barely conspicuous figure alongside the bright white shirts of his players, who chatted politely before slipping away.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The epidermal cells of the ring exhibit a very thick outer tangential wall, crossed by conspicuous ectodesmata (Figure 4A), some of them filled with a highly electrondense content or with vesicles inside (Figure 4B).

Botanical Studies

In the prehistoric cultures of Polynesia, two conspicuous themes figure largely: the ceremonial ground (the marae/ahu complex, known by varying local terms) and personal ornaments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These findings were confirmed by ex-vivo gamma well counting of harvested fragments of aorta with the most conspicuous plaques (Figure 4B).

EJNMMI Research

The ring of the future EFN is already totally differentiated: it is constituted by an epidermis and a parenchyma without intercellular spaces, with highly vacuolated cells and with conspicuous nuclei (Figure 2D).

Botanical Studies

While men his age are making merry and relaxing at the shebeens (local dancing and drinking establishments), Abner stands out as a conspicuous lone figure.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conspicuous figure" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is easily noticeable and stands out from the surroundings or other people.

Common error

While "conspicuous figure" is generally acceptable, consider more nuanced alternatives like "prominent leader" or "influential person" in formal or professional writing to convey a more specific meaning than just being 'noticeable'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conspicuous figure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes someone or something that is easily noticeable or prominent. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conspicuous figure" is a noun phrase used to describe someone or something easily noticeable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and the analyzed examples showcase its application across various contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. The phrase is generally neutral in register and serves to highlight the prominence or visibility of the subject. Related phrases include "prominent figure" and "notable person", which offer alternative ways to express similar ideas with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prominent figure

Focuses on importance and influence rather than just visibility.

notable person

Highlights the person's worthiness of attention due to accomplishments.

remarkable individual

Emphasizes the unusual or exceptional qualities of the person.

outstanding personality

Stresses the positive and exceptional qualities of someone's character and how they affect others.

noticeable character

Emphasizes the ease with which someone is observed or detected, focusing on their distinctiveness.

distinct presence

Highlights that someone stands out due to their unique qualities and the impact they have in a given situation.

easily seen individual

Focuses solely on visibility and lack of subtlety.

eye-catching person

Highlights visual attractiveness as the reason for being noticed.

unforgettable person

Emphasizes the lasting impression someone makes.

memorable personality

Focuses on the ability of an individual's traits and actions to be easily recalled.

FAQs

What does "conspicuous figure" mean?

A "conspicuous figure" is someone who is easily noticeable or stands out, often due to their appearance, behavior, or position.

How can I use "conspicuous figure" in a sentence?

You can use "conspicuous figure" to describe someone who is very noticeable: "She was a "conspicuous figure" at the event, wearing a bright red dress."

What are some synonyms for "conspicuous figure"?

Alternatives include "prominent figure", "notable person", or "remarkable individual", depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between a "conspicuous figure" and a "prominent figure"?

Yes, while both describe someone noticeable, "conspicuous figure" focuses on being easily seen, whereas "prominent figure" highlights importance and influence.