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Pretentious vs Conspicuous - What's the difference?

pretentious | conspicuous |

As adjectives the difference between pretentious and conspicuous

is that pretentious is marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction while conspicuous is obvious or easy to notice.

pretentious

English

Alternative forms

*

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.
  • Their song titles are pretentious in the context of their basic lyrics.
  • Ostentatious; intended to impress others.
  • Her dress was obviously more pretentious than comfortable.

    Synonyms

    * poseur * See also

    Antonyms

    * unpretentious

    Derived terms

    * pretentiously * pretentiousness

    References

    * * *

    conspicuous

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Obvious or easy to notice.
  • * {{quote-book, year=1928, author=Lawrence R. Bourne
  • , title=Well Tackled! , chapter=7 citation , passage=“No, don't,” replied the superintendent; “in fact, I'd rather you made yourself conspicuous elsewhere. Go down to the landing stage and cross to New Brighton or Wallasey—doesn't matter which—and come back. No doubt you will be seen, and reported to have gone across.”}}
    He was conspicuous by his absence.
  • Noticeable or attracting attention, especially if unattractive.
  • * 1969 , Saul Bellow, Mr Sammler's Planet , Penguin Books Ltd, page 6:
  • For his height he had a small face. The combination made him conspicuous .
    He had a conspicuous lump on his forehead.

    Antonyms

    * inconspicuous