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

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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

more salient comparative, salients plural, most salient superlative

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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.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for salient

client orient ancient patient ambient lenient quotient obedient nutrient gradient sentient ebullient

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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.