French Conversation · Level 39
74 words
French word
saillant
Pronunciation
IPA/sajɑ̃/
Meaning
- adjectiveprominent
Example
Son nez saillant se remarque immédiatement.
His prominent nose is immediately noticeable.
More examples
Le point saillant du film est la scène finale.
The salient point of the film is the final scene.
Core concept
A part that breaks the surrounding contour and immediately draws attention.
Common phrases
point saillant
salient point
caractéristique saillante
salient feature
Similar words
visible: Clearly apparent at a glance.
prononcé: Showing a quality or difference in a strong, unmistakable way.
marquant: Striking enough to attract attention and remain in the memory.
Definition in French
Qui dépasse visiblement le contour général et attire l'attention.
Word origin
Saillant is formed from saillir's present participle and ultimately traces back to Latin salire, 'to jump', with outward movement becoming visual prominence.
Usage tips
- French saillant ends with a nasal vowel and does not sound like the English word salient.