Transparent

Definition

Transparent describes something that allows light to pass through it so that objects behind it can be clearly seen, or in a metaphorical sense, something that is easy to perceive or detect.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Adverb (transparently)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /trænˈspærənt/
• Respelling: trans-PAR-uhnt (with "trans" as in "transmit," "PAR" as in "park," and "uhnt" as in "hunt")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /trænˈspærənt/
• Respelling: trans-PAR-uhnt (similar to American English, with "trans" as in "transmit," "PAR" like in "park," and "uhnt" as in "hunt")

In both dialects, "transparent" is pronounced with the primary stress on the "PAR" syllable. The word starts with "trans," followed by "PAR," and ends with "uhnt," similar to the sound in "hunt." The pronunciation of "transparent" is consistent between American and British English.

Etymology

The term "transparent" originates from the Medieval Latin word "transparens," from the Latin "transparere" which means "to show through." It's composed of "trans-" meaning "through" and "parere" meaning "to show."

Derivatives

• Transparently
• Transparentness
• Transparentize
• Transparency
• Transparence

Synonyms

• Clear
• See-through
• Lucid

Antonyms

• Opaque
• Cloudy
• Obscure

Usage

• "The transparent fabric of her dress revealed her silhouette."
• "His intentions were transparent, and everyone could see through his deceit."

Related Terms

• Translucence
• Permeable
• Undistorted
• Unambiguous
• Diaphanous

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Allowing Light to Pass Through: Having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying behind are seen clearly.
• Example: The glass was perfectly transparent, allowing a clear view of the outside.

• Easily Detected or Understood: Free from pretense or deceit, easily detected or seen through.
• Example: His lie was so transparent that no one believed him.

• Invisible or Indistinct: So fine in texture or insubstantial as to be seen through or nearly seen through.
• Example: The insect's wings were almost transparent.

Adverb (transparently)

• In a Transparent Manner: In a way that is easy to perceive, understand, or detect.
• Example: He transparently hinted at wanting a raise in his salary.