diaphanous

adjective

di·​aph·​a·​nous dī-ˈa-fə-nəs 

1

: characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through

diaphanous fabrics

a diaphanous curtain

2

: characterized by extreme delicacy of form : ethereal

painted diaphanous landscapes

3

: insubstantial, vague

had only a diaphanous hope of success

diaphanously adverb

diaphanousness noun

Did you know?

Can you guess which of the following words come from the same Greek root as diaphanous?

A. epiphany B. fancy C. phenomenon D. sycophant E. emphasis F. phase

The Greek word phainein shows through more clearly in some of our quiz words than others, but it underlies all of them. The groundwork for diaphanous was laid when phainein (meaning "to show") was combined with dia- (meaning "through"). From that pairing came the Greek diaphanēs, parent of the Medieval Latin diaphanus, which is the direct ancestor of our English word.

Synonyms

• cobwebby
• filmy
• gauzelike
• gauzy
• gossamer
• gossamery
• see-through
• sheer
• transparent

Examples of diaphanous in a Sentence

the bride wore a diaphanous veil

Recent Examples on the Web

The collection, fusing exaggerated silhouettes and structured romanticism with a touch of Moroccan-esque opulence — opens with diaphanous pieces in soft creams and peaches that diffuse light and create fluid movement. —Angela Lei, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

If Zendaya-as-Felicia wants to feel more the fantasy beyond the swamp, there’s always the brocade and silks of Rodarte and the diaphanous, gathered cream layered gowns of Jonathan Simkhai, wispy Ann Demeulemeester dresses and suits, and Molly Goddard’s tulle creations. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025

Lucy Bridge, head makeup artist, articulated this with diaphanous complexions set with retro but glamorous details to create a dual set of code-breaking beauty statements on the runway. —Marie Bladt, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025

Pamela Anderson put on a diaphanous display at Chanel‘s spring 2025 couture fashion show in Paris on Tuesday. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 28 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

extension with -ous of Medieval Latin diafanus, diaphanus, borrowed from Greek diaphanḗs "transparent, manifest, conspicuous," adjective derivative from the stem of diaphaínein "to let be seen through," diaphaínesthai "to show through, be seen through," from dia- dia- + phaínein (active voice) "to bring to light, cause to appear," and phaínesthai (middle voice) "to become visible, come to light, appear" — more at fantasy entry 1

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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