Meaning & use
salient feature
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountableformal
The most noticeable or important part of something, especially one that stands out clearly.
Grammar: Countable: use a/an or the before it, and a plural -s if you mention more than one.
Patterns
- a salient feature of something
- the salient features of something
- one of the salient features
The most salient feature of the design is its curved glass roof.
A salient feature of her argument is that it relies on very little evidence.
When you summarize the report, list the salient features first.
nouncountabletechnical
A detail that is immediately eye-catching or memorable in a picture, face, or scene.
Grammar: Often used in the plural when describing several eye-catching details at once.
Patterns
- salient features of a face
- salient features in an image
In the photograph, the salient features are the old man's hands and his worn boots.
The software detects salient features in each image so the robot can recognize the room.
Word forms
| plural | salient features |
|---|
Common combinations
- the most salient feature
- The most salient feature of the building is its bright red door.
- a salient feature of the landscape
- Rolling hills are a salient feature of the landscape here.
- identify the salient features
- Try to identify the salient features of the two plans before choosing.
- salient feature of the argument
- That assumption is a salient feature of the argument.
Synonyms and how they differ
- highlight
- A highlight is a memorable good moment or the best part; a salient feature is simply the most noticeable part, good or bad.
- characteristic
- A characteristic is a typical quality that identifies something; a salient feature is one that particularly stands out.
- hallmark
- A hallmark is a very typical sign of a person or thing, often positive; salient feature is more neutral and analytical.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: salient feature or salient point? salient feature or silent?
salient feature vs salient point
A salient point is a strong, relevant point in an argument; a salient feature is a noticeable part of an object or situation.
salient feature vs silent
Silent means making no sound; salient means standing out. They look similar but sound different: /ˈseɪliənt/ vs /ˈsaɪlənt/.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'salient feature' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Salient feature' is a countable noun meaning the most noticeable part, so it fits pattern 'the salient feature of something is ...'. The others use it with verb-like patterns that do not suit a noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “salient feature”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.