adj
transparent
trans-PAR-uhnt
adj
1
Clear enough to see through; letting light pass so objects behind it are visible.
"The window was made of transparent glass."
"She wrapped the gift in transparent cellophane."
2
Open and honest, with nothing hidden.
"The mayor promised a transparent process for awarding contracts."
3
So obvious that the real meaning or intent is easy to see through.
"His excuse for being late was transparent — everyone knew he had overslept."
How to Use Transparent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSee-through in a literal sense, or open and easy to see through in a figurative one.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with translucent — translucent lets light through but blurs what's behind it, while transparent lets you see a clear image.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
transparent glass
transparent process
perfectly transparent
Word Forms
more transparent comparative, transparents plural, transparents plural, most transparent superlative
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The window was made of _____ glass.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin transparens, "shining through," from Latin trans- ("through") plus parere ("to appear").