Transparency

Definition

Transparency refers to the quality of being clear and easy to perceive or understand, often used in contexts where openness and accountability are emphasized.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /trænˈspærənsi/
• Respelling: trans-PAR-uhn-see (with "trans" as in "transmit," "PAR" as in "park," "uhn" as a schwa sound like the 'u' in "cousin," and "see" as in "see")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /trænˈspærənsi/
• Respelling: trans-PAR-uhn-see (similar to American English, with "trans" as in "transmit," "PAR" like in "park," "uhn" as in "cousin," and "see" as in "see")

In both dialects, "transparency" is pronounced with the primary stress on the "PAR" syllable. The word starts with "trans," followed by "PAR," then "uhn," which is a schwa sound, and ends with "see," as in the word "see." The pronunciation of "transparency" is quite similar between American and British English.

Etymology

Derived from the Medieval Latin word "transparens," from the Latin "transparere" meaning "to show through," composed of "trans-" meaning "through" and "parere" meaning "to show."

Derivatives

• Transparent
• Transparently
• Transparentize
• Transparency-enhanced
• Transparency-reducing

Synonyms

• Clarity
• Lucidity
• Openness

Antonyms

• Opacity
• Ambiguity
• Secrecy

Usage

• "The company's transparency about its financial dealings earned it a lot of trust among its investors."
• "The transparency of the glass made it appear almost invisible."

Related Terms

• Clear
• Honest
• Disclosure
• Unambiguous
• Candor

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Quality of Being Clear: The quality of being able to be seen through, with clarity and without distortion.
• Example: The transparency of the water allowed us to see all the way to the seabed.

• Openness and Accountability: The quality of being open in sharing information, especially in contexts where this is expected or required.
• Example: The non-profit organization committed to transparency in its financial dealings.

• Transparent Sheet: A transparent sheet of film or glass bearing an image, which can be projected onto a surface.
• Example: He used several transparencies during his presentation to illustrate his points.