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Definition of salience

salience

/ˈseɪ.li.əns/
sa · li · ence
Adverb:saliently
•
Plural:saliences
•
Adjective:salient
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salience Lexical Profile

salience Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being particularly noticeable, important, or prominent; in psychology and linguistics, the degree to which a stimulus or feature stands out from its surroundings and captures attention.

Example

"The rising cost of housing has gained political salience among younger voters."

2

A physical feature, angle, or part that projects or juts outward beyond a main line or surface.

Example

"The architect softened the sharp salience of the building's corner with curved glass panels."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

salesperson
salesroom
saleswoman
salience
salinas
saline
salinger

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin verb 'salire', meaning 'to leap' or 'to jump', via the present participle 'saliens'. Something with salience metaphorically 'leaps out' at the observer or commands immediate attention.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Salience. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/salience
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