transparent

Transparent is used to describe things that you can see through or things that allow for light to pass through clearly.

A clear glass window is transparent in this way. A very informal synonym is see-through. However, something doesn’t need to be completely clear to be considered transparent. A fine mesh that is able to be seen through could be described as transparent.

The word translucent is sometimes used as a synonym for transparent. In technical contexts, though, describing something as translucent means that it allows light to pass through but diffuses it so that whatever is on the other side cannot be fully seen. For example, a frosted glass window could be said to be translucent but not transparent (you can see what’s on the other side, but not clearly). Still, in everyday conversation, the words are typically used to mean the same thing.

Transparent is also commonly used in a few figurative ways. Most commonly, it describes things that are free from any attempt to hide something, as in a transparent process or The administration has been praised for its willingness to be transparent with the press.��

It can also mean obvious or easy to understand or figure out, as in The instructions were very transparent and easy to follow.

Sometimes, transparent is used to describe things that may have been intended to hide something but that are easy to recognize or see through in a figurative sense, as in His excuses are so transparent—everyone knows the real reason he called out of work. ��

The noun transparency refers to the quality or state of being transparent.

Example: The stadium only allows transparent bags to be brought in so that they can be easily inspected by security.

The first records of the word transparent come from around 1400. It comes from the Medieval Latin verb trans�����ŧ����, meaning “to show through,” from trans-, meaning “through,” and the Latin verb �����ŧ����, meaning “to appear” or “to be visible” (�����ŧ���� is also the root of the words appear and apparent).

Describing a process as transparent typically means that it’s completely visible and open to scrutiny—nothing is being hidden. This is especially used in the context of politicians, government agencies, and businesses and calls for them to be transparent. The opposite of this is being secretive.

The opposite of the literal sense of transparent is opaque, which describes things that cannot be seen through at all or that do not let any light pass through them. It can also be used as the opposite of some of the figurative senses of transparent: describing something as opaque can mean that it’s hard to understand.

������ are some other forms related to transparent?

• transparently (adverb)
• transparentness (noun)
• nontransparent (adjective)
• transparency (noun)

������ are some synonyms for transparent?

• translucent (in casual use)
• see-through
• clear
• pellucid
• limpid
• crystalline
• apparent
• candid
• open

������ are some words that share a root or word element with transparent?��

• apparent
• appear

������ are some words that often get used in discussing transparent?

• glass
• material
• water
• window
• honest
• up-front
• light
• feedback
• excuse

������ are some words transparent may be commonly confused with?

• translucent (in technical contexts)

In a literal sense, transparent is used to describe things that are completely see-through, like clean water and glass. In a figurative sense, transparent is often used in the context of government agencies and companies, which people often call to be more transparent in dealings with citizens and customers.

🔥 Rare Octopus with Completely Transparent Head 🔥

— Nature is Lit (@Nature_Is_Lit)

I've been tracking election results & updates religiously –– GA has run a smoother, more transparent operation than almost anyone.

— Jesse Lehrich (@JesseLehrich)

Supermarkets need to be more transparent with their customers about the steps they are taking to reduce their plastic and waste footprint. The time for action is now!

— Surfers Against Sewage (@sascampaigns)

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Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of transparent?

A. see-through
B. clear
C. opaque
D. limpid