transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt 

1

a(1)

: having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly : pellucid

(2)

: allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (such as X-rays or ultraviolet light)

b

: fine or sheer enough to be seen through : diaphanous

2

a

: free from pretense or deceit : frank

b

: easily detected or seen through : obvious

c

: readily understood

d

: characterized by visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices

transparently adverb

transparentness noun

Synonyms

• clear
• crystal
• crystal clear
• crystalline
• limpid
• liquid
• lucent
• pellucid
• see-through

Choose the Right Synonym for transparent

clear, transparent, translucent, limpid mean capable of being seen through.

clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness.

clear water

transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly.

a transparent sheet of film

translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond.

translucent frosted glass

limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water.

her eyes were limpid pools of blue

Examples of transparent in a Sentence

bottles of blue transparent glass

his meaning in leaving the conversation is transparent: he doesn't want to talk about his combat experiences

Recent Examples on the Web

Listen with curiosity and be transparent about company and team visions. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Good said the ordinance, which took effect in April 2023, includes rigorous provisions for data collection, and the Housing Department has beefed up its data team to make sure the funding is transparent. —Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024

Each fiber is embedded with a unique molecular tracer during production, enabling genuine and transparent sharing of information about its lifecycle. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 4 Nov. 2024

This has been made possible thanks to a strong, durable, and transparent system filled with safeguards and processes dutifully followed by thousands of election administrators who work day in and day out to ensure every vote is counted fairly. —Clifford Tatum, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin transparent-, transparens, present participle of transparēre to show through, from Latin trans- + parēre to show oneself

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Kids Definition

transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent tran(t)s-ˈpar-ənt 

-ˈper-

1

a

: transmitting light so that objects lying beyond are entirely visible

b

: fine or sheer enough to be seen through

transparent gauze

2

: easily detected or understood : obvious

transparent falsehood

transparently adverb

Medical Definition

transparent

adjective

trans·​par·​ent -ənt 

1

: having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly

2

: allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (as X-rays or ultraviolet light)