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notable, outstanding, remarkable and prominent

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Filha Da Pika  #460632  Sat, 05 Jan 08 05:52 AM

Hello,

What is the difference between these four words?

It seems very similar to me.

Thank you in advance,

  
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Avangi  #461324  Mon, 07 Jan 08 04:51 AM
 Filha Da Pika wrote:

Hello,

What is the difference between these four words?

It seems very similar to me.  They do?  (You don't mean the difference seems similar.)

Thank you in advance,

Yes, all are used to imply excellence.  Notable and remarkable are similar in implying "worth being talked about or noticed"  -  noteworthy, worthy of notice, worthy of remark.  Outstanding and prominent are similar in suggesting that someone or something gets your attention  -  stands out from the crowd or surroundings.  "She has a very prominent nose."  "The farmer was outstanding in his field."

I think prominent is most often used to describe professional people who have gained the attention of their peers or the public  -  doctors, archetects, attorneys. 

Outstanding is more often used for popular things, products, and people (actors, sports figures); but could be the result of a particular effort.  "She wrote an outstanding term paper."  "The quarterback's performance today was outstanding."

Remarkable is usually used for something really surprising or unexpected.  "Obama's lead over Hillary in Iowa was remarkable."

Notable often carries an element of respect.  "A notable author died today at the age of 90."

You might say, "She has a remarkable/an outstanding figure."  You wouldn't use notable/prominent.

  
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Marius Hancu  #461420  Mon, 07 Jan 08 01:30 PM
I'd suggest buying a subscription to this online dictionary. which is quite strong on synonyms:

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synonyms REMARKABLE, PROMINENT, OUTSTANDING, CONSPICUOUS, SALIENT, SIGNAL, STRIKING, ARRESTING: noticeable applies to whatever is worthy of notice or unlikely to escape notice <the influence of northern architecture and farming methods is still noticeable -- American Guide Series: Louisiana> REMARKABLE applies to that which commands attention or comment as extraordinary or exceptional <a sudden and remarkable transformation of feeling -- W.A.Swanberg> <the remarkable belief of some primitive peoples which associates twins with water and especially with rain -- J.G.Frazer> PROMINENT describes that which stands out from its setting or environment and demands notice as superior or more important <the 25-foot cylindrical marble shaft, surmounted with draped flags and an eagle, occupies a prominent position in a traffic island on the main street -- American Guide Series: Pennsylvania> <his inflammatory speeches against the Hitler regime won him a prominent place on the Nazi blacklist -- Americana Annual> OUTSTANDING, close to PROMINENT in meaning and connotation, heightens the notion of rising above or excelling others <fortunate, too, in the men of outstanding ability who planned our resources and our campaigns -- Clement Attlee> <trout appeared at several points along the main stream and have steadily increased in number, until the Au Sable is known as the outstanding trout stream in the state -- American Guide Series: Michigan>


Webster's Third New International Dictionary, Unabridged. Merriam-Webster, 2002. http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com
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Avangi  #461477  Mon, 07 Jan 08 03:55 PM
Is this an article on NOTICEABLE ?
  
Marius Hancu  #461482  Mon, 07 Jan 08 04:08 PM
 Avangi wrote:
Is this an article on NOTICEABLE ?
Right, not notable, but the other items apply.
  
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