transparent

[trans-pair-uhnt, -par-]

adjective

1. having the property of transmitting rays of light through its substance so that bodies situated beyond or behind can be distinctly seen.

   Synonyms: crystalline, limpid, pellucid, clear
   Antonyms: opaque

2. admitting the passage of light through interstices.

3. so sheer as to permit light to pass through; diaphanous.

4. easily seen through, recognized, or detected.

   transparent excuses.

5. manifest; obvious.

   a story with a transparent plot.

6. open; frank; candid.

   the man's transparent earnestness.

   Antonyms: secretive

7. Computers.,  (of a process or software) operating in such a way as to not be perceived by users.

8. Obsolete.,  shining through, as light.

transparent

/ trænsˈpærənt, -ˈpɛər- /

adjective

1. permitting the uninterrupted passage of light; clear

   a window is transparent

2. easy to see through, understand, or recognize; obvious

3. (of a substance or object) permitting the free passage of electromagnetic radiation

   a substance that is transparent to X-rays

4. candid, open, or frank

transparent

1. Allowing radiation or matter to pass through with little or no resistance or diffusion.

2. Compare opaque translucent See Note at glass

Other Word Forms

• transparently adverb
• transparentness noun
• nontransparent adjective
• nontransparently adverb
• nontransparentness noun
• subtransparent adjective
• subtransparently adverb
• subtransparentness noun
• untransparent adjective
• untransparently adverb
• untransparentness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of transparent¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin trānspārent- (stem of trānspārēns ) “showing through” (present participle of trānspārēre ), equivalent to Latin trāns- trans- + pārent- (stem of pārēns ), present participle of pārēre “to appear”; apparent

Word History and Origins

Origin of transparent¹

C15: from Medieval Latin transpārēre to show through, from Latin _trans- + pārēre to appear

Synonym Study

Transparent , translucent agree in describing material that light rays can pass through. That which is transparent allows objects to be seen clearly through it: Clear water is transparent. That which is translucent allows light to pass through, diffusing it, however, so that objects beyond are not distinctly seen: Ground glass is translucent.

Example Sentences

He also recommended that the government must continue to work with all Northern Ireland parties and ensure it is "transparent" about how other safeguards in the Windsor Framework - such as the Stormont Brake - function.

From BBC

“The purpose of this report is to restore an open and transparent dialogue around climate science,” department spokesman Ben Dietderich said in a statement to The Times on Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times

The United Nations' human rights office has called for "prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations" on allegations of human rights violations in Jakarta's handling of the protests.

From BBC

Cone is quick to admit she doesn’t know everything so her leadership style is straightforward and transparent, relying on collaboration and empowerment while emphasizing teamwork and communication.

From Los Angeles Times

BP chief executive Bernard Looney, who led the oil giant for three years, quit after admitting he was not "fully transparent" initially.

From BBC

Related Words

• candid 
• clear-cut 
• easy 
• honest 
• sincere 
• straightforward 

When To Use

What does transparent mean?

Transparent is used to describe things that you can see through or things that allow for light to pass through clearly.A clear glass window is transparent in this way. A very informal synonym is see-through. However, something doesn’t need to be completely clear to be considered transparent. A fine mesh that is able to be seen through could be described as transparent.The word translucent is sometimes used as a synonym for transparent. In technical contexts, though, describing something as translucent means that it allows light to pass through but diffuses it so that whatever is on the other side cannot be fully seen. For example, a frosted glass window could be said to be translucent but not transparent (you can see what’s on the other side, but not clearly). Still, in everyday conversation, the words are typically used to mean the same thing.Transparent is also commonly used in a few figurative ways. Most commonly, it describes things that are free from any attempt to hide something, as in a transparent process or The administration has been praised for its willingness to be transparent with the press. It can also mean obvious or easy to understand or figure out, as in The instructions were very transparent and easy to follow.Sometimes, transparent is used to describe things that may have been intended to hide something but that are easy to recognize or see through in a figurative sense, as in His excuses are so transparent—everyone knows the real reason he called out of work.  The noun transparency refers to the quality or state of being transparent.Example: The stadium only allows transparent bags to be brought in so that they can be easily inspected by security.