transparent

/trænˈspɛrənt/
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Allowing what lies behind or beneath something to be seen, understood, or examined clearly.

Examples

  • The rules are not transparent to new users.
  • We asked the council to be more transparent.
  • They used a transparent chamber to observe the reaction.
  • Her sleeves were not transparent in daylight.
  • Could such a transparent lie fool anyone?

Similar words

honest
blatant
see-through
candid
accountable
sheer
apparent
plain
clear
obvious

Meanings

See-through

adjective
materials
neutral
Allowing light to pass through so objects on the other side can be seen clearly.

Examples

  • The box has a transparent lid.
  • Is this plastic completely transparent?
  • The water was so transparent that we saw the stones below.
  • Her sleeves were not transparent in daylight.
  • They used a transparent chamber to observe the reaction.

Similar words

Easy to understand

adjective
communication
neutral
Expressed or organized in a way that is clear and easy to understand.

Examples

  • The pricing structure should be more transparent.
  • Her explanation made the process transparent.
  • The rules are not transparent to new users.
  • Would a diagram make the method more transparent?
  • A transparent system lets everyone follow each step.

Similar words

Open to scrutiny

adjective
business
neutral
Open and honest, with important information, decisions, or practices visible to the people affected.

Examples

  • The charity is transparent about how donations are spent.
  • We asked the council to be more transparent.
  • The hiring process was fair and transparent.
  • Why was the company not transparent about the fee?
  • A transparent investigation can rebuild public trust.

Similar words

Obviously unconvincing

adjective
behavior
neutral
So easy to see through that a hidden motive, weak excuse, or attempted deception fails to convince.

Examples

  • His excuse was completely transparent.
  • It was a transparent attempt to delay the vote.
  • Her motives were transparent from the start.
  • The flattery felt transparent rather than sincere.
  • Could such a transparent lie fool anyone?

Similar words

Etymology

English adopted the word in the early fifteenth century from Medieval Latin transparens, meaning showing through, from Latin trans, “through,” and parere, “to appear.”

FAQ

What does transparent mean?

It can mean see-through, easy to understand, open to scrutiny, or too obvious to convince.

How do you pronounce transparent?

In General American English, transparent is /trænˈspɛrənt/.

What is the difference between transparent and translucent?

A transparent material gives a clear view. A translucent one passes light without a clear view.

Can an organization be transparent?

Yes. It openly shares relevant information so its actions can be examined.

Can transparent be negative?

Yes. A transparent excuse or lie is too obvious to deceive.

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