adj
Uncommon
salient
SAY-lee-uhnt
Salient (adj) means Most noticeable or important; standing out as especially relevant. Example: “Let's focus on the salient points of the report.”
adj
1
Most noticeable or important; standing out as especially relevant.
"Let's focus on the salient points of the report."
"The salient feature of the design is its low cost."
noun
1
A part of a military position, border, or structure that juts outward into enemy or neighboring territory.
"Troops dug in around the salient to hold the exposed ground."
How to use salient
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStanding out as important or obvious, or (in military/geographic use) a section that juts outward.
Common pairings
salient point
salient feature
a salient in the front line
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Word forms
- Plural
- salients
- Comparative
- more salient
- Superlative
- most salient
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Let's focus on the _____ points of the report.
Etymology
From Latin saliens, "leaping," from saliō, "to leap." The military and geographic sense of "jutting out" and the meaning "notable" both trace back to this image of something springing forward or standing out.
Related words
Rhymes for salient
client
orient
ancient
patient
ambient
lenient
quotient
obedient
nutrient
gradient
sentient
ebullient
See all rhymes for salient →
Frequently asked questions
What does “salient” mean?
The word “salient” means most noticeable or important; standing out as especially relevant. In plain terms, standing out as important or obvious, or (in military/geographic use) a section that juts outward.
How do you pronounce “salient”?
“Salient” is pronounced SAY-lee-uhnt (/ˈseɪ.li.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “salient” in a sentence?
Here is “salient” used in a sentence: “Let's focus on the salient points of the report.”
What part of speech is “salient”?
Depending on how it is used, “salient” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “salient” come from?
The word “salient” comes from Latin. From Latin saliens, "leaping," from saliō, "to leap." The military and geographic sense of "jutting out" and the meaning "notable" both trace back to this image of something springing forward or standing out.
Is “salient” a common word?
“Salient” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “salient” have?
“Salient” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: most noticeable or important; standing out as especially relevant.
