transparent

American  

[trans-pair-uhnt, -par-] / trænsˈpɛər ənt, -ˈpær- /

adjective

1. having the property of transmitting rays of light through its substance so that bodies situated beyond or behind can be distinctly seen.

   Synonyms:

   crystalline, limpid, pellucid, clear

   Antonyms:

   opaque

2. admitting the passage of light through interstices.

3. so sheer as to permit light to pass through; diaphanous.

4. easily seen through, recognized, or detected.

   transparent excuses.

5. manifest; obvious.

   a story with a transparent plot.

6. open; frank; candid.

   the man's transparent earnestness.

   Antonyms:

   secretive

7. Computers. (of a process or software) operating in such a way as to not be perceived by users.

8. Obsolete. shining through, as light.

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transparent British  

/ trænsˈpærənt, -ˈpɛər- /

adjective

1. permitting the uninterrupted passage of light; clear

   a window is transparent

2. easy to see through, understand, or recognize; obvious

3. (of a substance or object) permitting the free passage of electromagnetic radiation

   a substance that is transparent to X-rays

4. candid, open, or frank

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transparent Scientific  

/ trăns-pâr′ənt /

1. Allowing radiation or matter to pass through with little or no resistance or diffusion.

2. Compare opaque translucent See Note at glass

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Usage

What does transparent mean? Transparent is used to describe things that you can see through or things that allow for light to pass through clearly. A clear glass window is transparent in this way. A very informal synonym is see-through. 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 translucent is sometimes used as a synonym for transparent. 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, the words are typically used to mean the same thing. Transparent is also commonly used in a few figurative ways. Most commonly, it describes things that are free from any attempt to hide something, as in a transparent process or The administration has been praised for its willingness to be transparent with the press. It can also mean obvious or easy to understand or figure out, as in The instructions were very transparent and easy to follow. Sometimes, transparent is used to describe things that may have been intended to hide something but that are easy to recognize or see through in a figurative sense, as in His excuses are so transparent—everyone knows the real reason he called out of work.  The noun transparency refers to the quality or state of being transparent. Example: The stadium only allows transparent bags to be brought in so that they can be easily inspected by security.

Related Words

Transparent , translucent agree in describing material that light rays can pass through. That which is transparent allows objects to be seen clearly through it: Clear water is transparent. That which is translucent allows light to pass through, diffusing it, however, so that objects beyond are not distinctly seen: Ground glass is translucent.

Other Word Forms

• nontransparent adjective
• nontransparently adverb
• nontransparentness noun
• subtransparent adjective
• subtransparently adverb
• subtransparentness noun
• transparently adverb
• transparentness noun
• untransparent adjective
• untransparently adverb
• untransparentness noun

Etymology

Origin of transparent

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin trānspārent- (stem of trānspārēns ) “showing through” (present participle of trānspārēre ), equivalent to Latin trāns- trans- + pārent- (stem of pārēns ), present participle of pārēre “to appear”; apparent

Explanation

You can see right through something transparent. A window is transparent — unless it's really, really dirty. Time to break out some soap! Obviously the glass of a window is transparent, but transparent can also describe something that is clearly understood and lacks any deception or secrecy. Reporters use it these days to describe the ideal way for government to develop policy, where voters can see the process and how decisions are achieved. Some in government, however, would argue that the leaking of top-secret information takes transparency a step too far.

Example Sentences

The input data must be trusted, the AI tools must be transparent, and a human needs to be in the loop.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

In a dream she gazes out from eyes like “great transparent marbles.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

Or is there a better way to strike the balance between presenting my home attractively and being completely transparent?

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

"We will prioritise a multi-year programme to bring existing facilities up to a safe, modern standard, with transparent national reporting on progress," said a spokesman.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

They were very pale green, and almost transparent where the sun shone through, he could see all the veins.

From "I'm the King of the Castle" by Susan Hill

Related Words

• candid
• clear-cut
• easy
• honest
• sincere
• straightforward