Perspicuous

Definition

Clearly expressed or easily understood; lucid and transparent in meaning. Writing or speech that is perspicuous leaves no ambiguity and communicates its ideas plainly and effectively.

Example Usage

The judge praised the lawyer's perspicuous argument, which made the complex legal issue accessible to the jury.

Origin

From Latin 'perspicuus', meaning 'transparent' or 'clear', derived from 'perspicere' (to see through).

Fun Fact

The opposite term, 'perspicacious,' sounds similar but means something entirely different—it means having keen insight or discernment.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

Related Terms

Advanced

patagium

The technical term for the membrane of skin that flying squirrels (and sugar gliders, bats, etc.) stretch between their limbs to glide through the air. Not slang at all—this is actual biological terminology that someone inexplicably submitted to Urban Dictionary. Congratulations, you learned real science from a jargon dictionary.

🎓 Education / Academia

Beginner

teaching assistant

Graduate students who do the actual grading and teaching in large university courses while the professor's name appears on the syllabus. They're the unsung heroes of undergraduate education, compensated primarily in experience and poverty.

🎓 Education / Academia

Intermediate

impacted program

An academic program with more qualified applicants than available spots, requiring special admission beyond general university acceptance. Like a nightclub with a velvet rope, except the bouncer checks your GPA instead of your outfit.

🎓 Education / Academia

Intermediate

Phantasm

A phantom, specter, or ghostly apparition; a figment of the imagination or an illusion perceived by the senses.

🎓 Education / Academia

Intermediate

colloquy

A fancy academic term for a conversation or formal conference, often used when professors want to sound more important than they are. It's basically a fancy church council or intellectual chat, depending on context.

🎓 Education / Academia

Intermediate

coffer

A strong wooden chest or strongbox used for storing valuables; a recessed panel in a ceiling or vault, typically square or rectangular and often ornamental. The plural or singular use varies by context.

🎓 Education / Academia

Translate This Term

See “Perspicuous” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Intermediate

retained

To keep someone on your payroll or in your service, typically by paying them a retainer fee that ensures they'll pick up...