opaque
oh-PAYK
Opaque (adj) means not allowing light to pass through; not transparent or translucent. Example: “The bathroom window has opaque glass for privacy.”
adj
1
Not allowing light to pass through; not transparent or translucent.
"The bathroom window has opaque glass for privacy."
2
Difficult to understand or see through, especially referring to explanations, processes, or motives.
"The company's pricing policy is frustratingly opaque."
How to use opaque
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBlocking light completely, or (figuratively) hard to understand or see clearly into.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "translucent" (lets some light through, but blurs what's behind it) — opaque lets no light through at all.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
opaque glass
opaque process
opaque language
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Word forms
- Plural
- opaques
- Third person singular
- opaques
- Past tense
- opaqued
- Comparative
- more opaque, opaquer
- Superlative
- most opaque, opaquest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The bathroom window has _____ glass for privacy.
Etymology
From Latin opacus ("shaded, dark"), via Middle English opake, later reshaped by French opaque.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for opaque
See all rhymes for opaque →Frequently asked questions
What does “opaque” mean?
The word “opaque” means not allowing light to pass through; not transparent or translucent. In plain terms, blocking light completely, or (figuratively) hard to understand or see clearly into.
How do you pronounce “opaque”?
“Opaque” is pronounced oh-PAYK (/oʊˈpeɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “opaque” in a sentence?
Here is “opaque” used in a sentence: “The bathroom window has opaque glass for privacy.”
What is another word for “opaque”?
Words with a similar meaning to “opaque” include adiaphanous, nontransparent, opacous, opacular and thick.
What is the opposite of “opaque”?
The opposite of “opaque” — its antonyms — are see-through, translucent, transparent, clear and obvious.
What part of speech is “opaque”?
“Opaque” is an adjective.
Where does the word “opaque” come from?
The word “opaque” comes from Latin. From Latin opacus ("shaded, dark"), via Middle English opake, later reshaped by French opaque.
Is “opaque” a common word?
“Opaque” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
