Which word means "standing out; obvious"?

• A. Advocate
• B. Ascetic
• C. Conspicuous
• D. Profound

Answer: (C)

This item tests understanding of a word for something that is easily seen or draws attention. Conspicuous describes something that stands out from its surroundings and is readily noticeable—the kind of thing people can't help but notice. It carries the sense of obvious visibility, like a bright poster in a dull room or someone wearing a neon outfit in a crowd. The root idea, from Latin conspicere meaning "to look at," ties directly to this sense of being seen.

The other words don’t fit because they express different ideas: to advocate is to speak in favor of something, not about visibility; ascetic refers to a lifestyle of self-denial and simplicity; profound means deep or significant in meaning, not something that is easily noticed.