Salient is a word that is often used in writing, but its meaning is not always clear to people.
The word salient comes from the Latin word “salire” which means “to leap”. This is a reference to the sharp points of a spear or sword that were used in battle.
Today, the word salient is used to describe something that stands out, is prominent or striking.
What is the dictionary definition of the word salient?
Salient (adjective): Standing out prominently or markedly | Strikingly apparent.
Merriam-Webster defines salient as “standing out prominently or markedly” and “strikingly apparent.” In other words, something that is salient is easy to see and makes a bold statement.
The word salient comes from the Latin word saliens, meaning “leaping.” This is in reference to the way a river or stream leaps from its bed to the surface. In ancient times, this was seen as a sign of good fortune.
Today, the word salient is most often used in relation to features or objects that are strikingly clear or noticeable.
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What is the origin of the word salient?
The word salient comes from a Latin word, saliens, meaning “leaping.”
It was first used in English in the 1500s to describe a property of a geometric figure. A salient angle is one that is “leaping out” from the rest of the figure.
The word began to be used to describe people and objects in the early 1700s. It was used to describe someone or something that is “strikingly prominent or conspicuous.”
Today, we use the word salient to describe anything that is noticeable or important.
How has the word salient been used throughout history?
The word salient has been used in many different ways throughout history.
In its most basic sense, the word salient means “standing out.” This can be applied to objects, features, or ideas that are particularly noticeable or stand out from the rest.
In terms of objects, a salient feature is something that stands out or is easily visible. For example, a landmark that’s easy to spot from a distance would be described as salient.
When it comes to ideas, something that’s salient is significant, important, or noteworthy. In other words, it’s worthy of attention.
Throughout history, the word salient has been used in both a physical and metaphorical sense. It’s been applied to both tangible things and abstract concepts, making it a versatile and powerful word.
How is the word salient used in literature?
Salient is often used in literature to describe something that stands out or is notable. It can be used to describe someone or something that is prominent or bold, making it a perfect word to use when describing jewelry.
Examples–
- When choosing jewelry, it’s important to think about what will make you stand out from the rest. Salient pieces like our Rayne Necklace are the perfect way to do just that!
- Greek husbandry had no salient characteristics.
- Constancy of purpose was the salient feature of Thomas’s military character.
- Yet again, the Andamanese can be grouped according to certain salient characteristics:
- The salient characteristic of the admiralty is a certain flexibility and elasticity with which it works.
- When the deposits in an agate have been formed on a crop of crystals, or on a rugose base, the cross-section presents a zigzag pattern, rather like the plan of a fortress with salient and retiring angles, whence the stone is termed fortification agate.
How can the word salient be used in everyday conversation?
One way to use this word in your everyday conversations is by describing someone or something as being “salient.” For example, you could say “She was the most salient feature of the party” or “His words were salient in that conversation.”
This adjective can also be used when you want to describe something as being important or noticeable. For example, you could say “The most salient thing about that painting is the color.” or “She made a salient point during the meeting.”
Salient can also be used when you want to describe something as being sharp or protruding. For example, you could say “The salient features of the building are its spires.”
What are some synonyms and antonyms for the word salient?
Salient can be defined as something that stands out from its surroundings. It can also be described as striking, prominent, or important.
Synonyms for salient can include dramatic, eye-catching, outstanding, and remarkable, projecting, springing, jutting, abutting, prominent, conspicuous, important, noteworthy.
Antonyms for salient can include retreating, retiring, returning, rebated, unimportant, minor, inconsiderable, subordinate.
Conclusion
Check MacMillan Dictionary to check the meaning of the word “Salient.”
Salient comes from the Latin word “salire” meaning “to jump”. It is used to describe things that stand out, are striking or are important.
The word can be used as an adjective or a noun. As an adjective, salient describes something that is prominent, noticeable or eye-catching. As a noun, salient refers to something that stands out or is significant.
