transparency

[trans-pair-uhn-see, -par-]

noun

plural

transparencies 

1. Also transparence. the quality or state of being transparent.

2. something transparent, especially a picture, design, or the like on glass or some translucent substance, made visible by light shining through from behind.

3. Photography.

   1. the proportion of the light that is passed through the emulsion on an area of a photographic image.

   2. a photographic print on a clear base for viewing by transmitted light.

transparency

/ -ˈpɛər-, trænsˈpærənsɪ /

noun

1. Also called: transparence. the state of being transparent

2. Also called: slide. a positive photograph on a transparent base, usually mounted in a frame or between glass plates. It can be viewed by means of a slide projector

Other Word Forms

• nontransparence noun
• nontransparency noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of transparency¹

From the Medieval Latin word trānspārentia, dating back to 1585–95. See transparent, -ency

Example Sentences

The government says this transparency will reduce the risk of deals collapsing late in the process and improve confidence among buyers, particularly those purchasing a home for the first time.

From BBC

It criticised the club's lack of transparency in announcing price increases so late and expressed concern over reduced concessions for seniors and children.

From BBC

“We have no problem with transparency. ... Our issue is it needs to be accurate.”

From Los Angeles Times

While celebrating the launch of gas exports from the facility in April 2025, the energy minister called for "continuous vigilance to guarantee the efficiency, transparency and sustainability of economic benefits for the population".

From BBC

“DCFS remains committed to learning from the past, improving its work, and operating with transparency.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clarity 

When To Use

What does transparency mean?

Transparency is the quality or state of being transparent. It is perhaps most commonly used in a figurative way to refer to a state in which things are free from any attempt to hide something, as in The administration has been praised for its transparency with the press. It can also be used to mean a state in which something is literally transparent—able to be seen through or allowing light to pass through clearly. A clear glass window is transparent in this way. 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 translucence (the noun form of the adjective translucent) is sometimes used as a synonym for transparency. 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, these literal senses of the words are typically used to mean the same thing.Another figurative sense of transparency refers to the state of being obvious or easy to understand or figure out, as in I always appreciate transparency in instructions—the simpler the better.Transparency can also refer to something that is transparent. More specifically, it’s used to refer to a clear sheet (also called a slide) featuring an image that can be projected through the use of a slide projector.Example: Consumer advocates have been pushing the company to increase transparency around its supply chain.