First Known Use: 1586
Dictionary
perspicuous
adjective per·spic·u·ous \pər-ˈspi-kyə-wəs\
Definition of PERSPICUOUS
: plain to the understanding especially because of clarity and precision of presentation <a perspicuous argument>
— per·spi·cu·i·ty \ˌpər-spə-ˈkyü-ə-tē\ noun
— per·spic·u·ous·ly \pər-ˈspi-kyə-wəs-lē\ adverb
— per·spic·u·ous·ness noun
See perspicuous defined for kids ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PERSPICUOUS
Latin perspicuus transparent, perspicuous, from perspicere
Related to PERSPICUOUS
- Synonyms
- apparent, bald, bald-faced, barefaced, bright-line, broad, clear-cut, crystal clear, decided, distinct, evident, lucid, luculent, luminous, manifest, nonambiguous, obvious, open-and-shut, palpable, patent, pellucid, clear, plain, ringing, straightforward, transparent, unambiguous, unambivalent, unequivocal, unmistakable
- Antonyms
- ambiguous, clouded, cryptic, dark, enigmatic (also enigmatical), equivocal, indistinct, mysterious, nonobvious, obfuscated, obscure, unapparent, unclarified, unclear, unclouded
Synonym Discussion of PERSPICUOUS
clear, transparent, translucent, limpid mean capable of being seen through. clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness <clear water>. transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly <a transparent sheet of film>. translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond <translucent frosted glass>. limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water <her eyes were limpid pools of blue>.
clear, perspicuous, lucid mean quickly and easily understood. clear implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity <clear instructions>. perspicuous applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear <a perspicuous style>. lucid suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement <a lucid explanation>.
clear, perspicuous, lucid mean quickly and easily understood. clear implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity <clear instructions>. perspicuous applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear <a perspicuous style>. lucid suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement <a lucid explanation>.
Rhymes with PERSPICUOUS
Learn More About PERSPICUOUS
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: perspirablePrevious Word in the Dictionary: perspicilAll Words Near: perspicuous
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up perspicuous? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).