prominent

prominent — adjective

1. widely known and regarded as important within a particular field, profession, or

1.形容詞C1
釋義

widely known and regarded as important within a particular field, profession, or community.

例句

Adina became a prominent voice in the debate over clean water access.

prominent voice — attributive before an abstract role noun

Several prominent scientists have questioned the safety of the new drug.

同義詞
  • notable

    weaker than prominent; suggests worth noticing but not necessarily widely known

  • eminent

    more formal; implies high standing especially in academic or professional circles

  • distinguished

    focuses on recognition earned through long achievement

  • renowned

    suggests fame that has spread over a wide area

反義詞
  • obscure

    not known or not well known

  • unknown

    completely lacking recognition

文法句型

prominent + noun (person/role)

be + prominent + in + field

用法筆記

Usually placed before a noun (attributive position). Describes people, organisations, or works that hold recognised importance within a specific domain rather than general celebrity.

常見錯誤

❌He is a prominent singer everyone knows.
✅He is a famous singer everyone knows.
💡'Prominent' implies recognised importance within a field, not just widespread popularity.
❌The prominent building is very tall.
✅The prominent building can be seen from miles away.
💡For physical visibility, sense 3 (EASILY SEEN) is more appropriate.

2. rising or pushing outward from a surface, edge, or surrounding area.

2.形容詞B2
釋義

rising or pushing outward from a surface, edge, or surrounding area.

例句

A prominent vein ran down the back of Minh's hand.

collocation: prominent vein / prominent bone / prominent feature (physical)

Reuben tripped on a prominent tree root that crossed the path.

同義詞
  • protruding

    more technical and specific; often used in medical or anatomical descriptions

  • projecting

    more formal; suggests something built or designed to extend outward

  • jutting

    more informal; often used for rocks, cliffs, or angular shapes

反義詞
  • flat

    smooth and even, without raised parts

文法句型

prominent + noun (body part)

prominent + noun (physical feature)

用法筆記

Describes physical features that extend outward. Common with body parts (nose, cheekbone, vein, knuckle) and natural features (rock, ridge, root). Also used in geology and anatomy writing.

常見錯誤

❌The prominent tree had many leaves.
✅The tree had a prominent root above the ground.
💡'Prominent' in this sense describes something physically sticking out, not general size or health.

3. placed or positioned so that people can see or notice something without difficul

3.形容詞C2
釋義

placed or positioned so that people can see or notice something without difficulty.

例句

Cyrus put the graduation photo in a prominent spot on his desk.

in a prominent spot — common placement pattern with prepositional phrase

The warning signs were placed in a prominent position near the stairs.

同義詞
  • conspicuous

    stronger in meaning; suggests something draws attention, sometimes in an unwanted way

  • noticeable

    less formal and weaker; simply means can be seen without difficulty

  • visible

    neutral and broader; describes anything that can be seen at all

反義詞
  • inconspicuous

    not easily noticed; blending in with surroundings

  • hidden

    placed where it cannot be seen

文法句型

in a prominent position / place / spot

用法筆記

Used to describe the placement of objects or signs. Commonly appears in the fixed phrases 'in a prominent position', 'in a prominent place', and 'in a prominent spot'. Not used for people — for a person who is easily noticed, use sense 1 (FAMOUS).

常見錯誤

❌She put the vase on a prominent shelf.
✅She put the vase in a prominent spot on the shelf.
💡'Prominent' describes the overall placement, not the object itself.