Meaning & use
transparent
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Meanings
adjectivenot comparable
Allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be seen clearly.
Grammar: Used to describe materials or objects; not usually graded with 'more' or 'most'.
Patterns
- transparent material
- transparent to something
The window was made of transparent glass, so we could see the garden.
She wore a transparent plastic raincoat over her clothes.
The water in the lake was so transparent that we could see the fish.
adjectivecomparable
Open and honest, with no hidden motives or information.
Grammar: Can be graded: 'more transparent', 'most transparent'.
Patterns
- transparent about something
- transparent in something
- transparent process
The company promised to be more transparent about its finances.
Voters demanded a transparent decision-making process.
He was transparent in his dealings with clients.
adjectivecomparable
Easy to understand or see through; obvious.
Grammar: Often used with 'it' as a dummy subject: 'It was transparent that...'
Patterns
- transparent lie
- transparent attempt
- it is transparent that...
His excuse was a transparent lie.
It was transparent that she wanted the job.
The whole thing was a transparent attempt to gain sympathy.
Word forms
| comparative | more transparent |
|---|---|
| superlative | most transparent |
Common combinations
- transparent glass
- The artist used transparent glass to create the sculpture.
- transparent about
- The government must be transparent about its spending.
- transparent process
- We need a transparent process for selecting candidates.
- completely transparent
- The water was completely transparent.
Synonyms and how they differ
- clear
- Often used for liquids or glass; 'transparent' is more formal and technical.
- see-through
- Informal; describes clothing or material you can see through.
- obvious
- For meaning 3, 'obvious' is more direct; 'transparent' suggests the attempt is meant to deceive.
Opposites
Word family
- transparency noun
- The quality of being transparent; also a piece of film.
- transparently adverb
- In a way that is open and honest.
Commonly confused: transparent or translucent?
transparent vs translucent
Translucent means light passes through but objects are not clearly visible; transparent means you can see through clearly.
Practice
The company promised to be more ______ about how it spends its money.
Choose one answer.
‘Transparent’ means open and honest. ‘Translucent’ is about light, ‘opaque’ means not transparent, and ‘transpired’ is a verb meaning happened.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “transparent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.