weren't really trying to clown.. trying to say that arresting doesn't necessarily have any value judgment associated with it..
noticeable, observable, marked, conspicuous, prominent, outstanding, salient, remarkable, arresting, striking These adjectives mean attracting notice. Noticeable and observable both refer to something that can be readily noticed or observed: “His long, feminine eyelashes were very noticeable” (Joseph Conrad). The prowler's movements were observable from the window. What is marked is emphatically evident: a marked limp; a marked success. Conspicuous applies to what is immediately apparent and noteworthy: a conspicuous stain. “Conspicuous consumption of valuable goods is a means of reputability to the gentleman of leisure” (Thorstein Veblen). Prominent and outstanding connote a standing out, especially among others of a kind: the most prominent mountain in the range; the century's outstanding figures. What is salient is so prominent and consequential that it seems to leap out and claim the attention: “Defenders of the pit bull always seem to miss the salient point that it is the ferocity of the bite, not the number of bites, that has made the dog so feared today” (Sports Illustrated). Remarkable describes what elicits comment because it is unusual or extraordinary: “This story of Mongolian conquests is surely the most remarkable in all history” (H.G. Wells). Arresting applies to what attracts and holds the attention: one of Ellington's most arresting compositions. Striking describes something that seizes the attention and produces a vivid impression on the sight or the mind: The child bears a striking resemblance to his uncle. [AHD4]
