easy
The salient point in the notice was that the library would close early.
What does Salient mean?
Salient means standing out as noticeable or important. A salient can also be a part that sticks outward.
Dictionary definition
Noticeable or important enough to stand out from the surrounding details. In descriptions of shape, salient can mean projecting outward. As a noun, a salient is an outward projection, especially a bulge in a military line.
Example sentences
Salient in a sentence
medium
The building had a salient corner that extended beyond the wall.
medium
On the history map, the front line curved outward to form a salient.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Salient
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
Which detail is most salient when deciding whether to visit the library today?
Closing time matters directly to this decision; the decorative details do not.
Practice 2
In a history text, what is a salient in the front line?
Here salient is a countable noun for a projecting section, rather than an adjective meaning important.
Practice 3
Choose the noun: The bright colour increased the sign's ___.
Salience names the quality of standing out. Salient is an adjective or a noun for a projecting part, not this abstract quality.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Salient
Voice settings
Sounds like
say · lee · unt · strongest beat: say
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordSalient.
Partadjective, noun.
MeaningSalient means standing out as noticeable or important. A salient can also be a part that sticks outward.
ExampleExample: The salient point in the notice was that the library would close early.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- say · lee · unt
- Strongest beat
- say
- Ending
- unt
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on say.
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Synonyms
Words like Salient
prominentUse for a feature that stands out and attracts attention.
importantUse for points or facts that matter especially to the discussion.
Antonyms
Opposite words
inconspicuousUse for a feature that attracts little attention; this contrasts the noticeable sense.
Synonym practice
Word family
Salient word family
Base word
salient
noun
salience
The quality of standing out or being especially noticeable or important.
adverb
saliently
In a way that stands out: the difference was saliently expressed.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Salient
Hint for students
Look for salient points, facts, or features. Say SAY-lee-unt; SAY-lyunt is also used. Dictionaries give examples with most salient when comparing how strongly things stand out.
Common mix-up
Salient does not necessarily mean excellent: an important problem can be salient. Keep the noun a salient, a projecting part, separate from salience, the quality of standing out.
Try it in class or at home
Give students an invented trip notice with a departure time, meeting place, and decorative details. Ask them to underline two salient facts and justify each choice for someone joining the trip.
Teacher prompt
Read: The salient point in the notice was that the library would close early. Add three decorative details, then explain why closing time remains salient to a visitor.
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