inconspicuous
/ˌɪnkənˈspɪkjuəs/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌɪnkənˈspɪkjuəs/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌin-kən-ˈspi-kyə-wəs -kyü-əs/ (ame, mw)
inconspicuous — adjective
- inconspicuouspositive
- more inconspicuouscomparative
- most inconspicuoussuperlative
1. blending into the background so people pass by without noticing — a small sign o
blending into the background so people pass by without noticing — a small sign on a back wall, a grey jacket in a crowd, or a quiet guest at a noisy party.
Christopher chose an inconspicuous corner table at the back of the cafe.
common adjective + noun: an inconspicuous [place]
The bookshop's entrance is inconspicuous, hidden between two larger shops on the main street.
predicative use: be inconspicuous
Eleni wore plain clothes to stay inconspicuous in the crowded train station.
A small, inconspicuous switch behind the desk controlled the entire lighting system.
Lakshmi placed the security camera in an inconspicuous spot above the bookshelf.
- unobtrusive
very close in meaning; emphasises not bothering or disturbing others
- discreet
stresses careful, tactful behaviour rather than visual smallness
- low-key
informal; suggests deliberately quiet style or atmosphere
- conspicuous
the direct opposite — easy to see or attracting attention
- prominent
stands out clearly, often by size or importance
- noticeable
easy to see or hear, without the strong attention-grabbing sense of conspicuous
用法筆記
Often modifies physical things or people that someone wants others to overlook — a location, an object, a person trying to avoid notice. Frequently paired with verbs like stay, remain, keep, look.