transparent
trans-PAR-uhnt
Transparent (adj) means Clear enough to see through; letting light pass so objects behind it are visible. Example: “The jellyfish was almost transparent, so we could see the water through it.”
adj
1
Clear enough to see through; letting light pass so objects behind it are visible.
"The jellyfish was almost transparent, so we could see the water through it."
"The window was made of transparent glass."
"She wrapped the gift in transparent cellophane."
2
Open and honest, with nothing hidden.
"The company published a transparent report showing exactly how it spent donations."
"I appreciate how transparent she was about the mistakes made on the project."
"The mayor promised a transparent process for awarding contracts."
3
So obvious that the real meaning or intent is easy to see through.
"Her flattery was so transparent that nobody believed a word of it."
"It was a transparent attempt to get out of washing the dishes."
"His excuse for being late was transparent — everyone knew he had overslept."
How to use transparent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSee-through in a literal sense, or open and easy to see through in a figurative one.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with translucent — translucent lets light through but blurs what's behind it, while transparent lets you see a clear image.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
transparent glass
transparent process
perfectly transparent
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Word forms
- Plural
- transparents
- Comparative
- more transparent
- Superlative
- most transparent
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The jellyfish was almost _____, so we could see the water through it.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin transparens, "shining through," from Latin trans- ("through") plus parere ("to appear").
Synonyms
View more →
candid
open
forthright
unclouded
see-through
diaphanous
clear
crystalline
limpid
sheer
clear as crystal
glassy
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for transparent
See all rhymes for transparent →Frequently asked questions
What does “transparent” mean?
The word “transparent” means clear enough to see through; letting light pass so objects behind it are visible. In plain terms, see-through in a literal sense, or open and easy to see through in a figurative one.
How do you pronounce “transparent”?
“Transparent” is pronounced trans-PAR-uhnt (/tɹænsˈpæɹ.ənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “transparent” in a sentence?
Here is “transparent” used in a sentence: “The window was made of transparent glass.”
What is another word for “transparent”?
Words with a similar meaning to “transparent” include see-through, diaphanous, clear, crystalline, limpid and sheer.
What is the opposite of “transparent”?
The opposite of “transparent” — its antonyms — are opaque, obscure, nontransparent, non-transparent and hazy.
What part of speech is “transparent”?
“Transparent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “transparent” come from?
The word “transparent” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin transparens, "shining through," from Latin trans- ("through") plus parere ("to appear").
Is “transparent” a common word?
“Transparent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between transparent and translucent?
Transparent describes something clear enough to see through, so objects behind it are fully visible, like plain glass. Translucent means light passes through but the view is blurred or diffused, like frosted glass. Something transparent transmits both light and a clear image; something translucent transmits only light.
What is the opposite of transparent?
The direct opposite of transparent is opaque, which describes material that light cannot pass through at all. For the figurative sense of being open and honest, opposites include secretive and evasive. Translucent sits between transparent and opaque, letting light through without a clear view.
Is calling a person transparent a compliment or a criticism?
It depends on which sense is meant. Calling someone transparent can be praise, meaning they are open and honest with nothing hidden. It can also be criticism when it means their real motive is so obvious that everyone sees through it, as in "a transparent attempt to shift blame."
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