transparency
trans-PARE-un-see
/trænsˈpærənsi/
The quality of being open, honest, and free from secrets in business dealings.
Transparency implies that information is not just available, but easy to see and understand.
The story behind the word. The word literally means 'to show through.' It moved from describing physical objects (like clear water) to describing clear and honest communication in the 16th century.
Word relationships
- openness: Openness is a general personality trait; transparency is a specific operational policy.
- opacity: Opacity refers to being hidden or difficult to understand.
Commonly confused with
- honesty: Honesty is about not lying; transparency is about proactively sharing the truth.
Word family
- transparent (adjective): Easy to see through or understand.
Collocations
- radical transparency
- lack of transparency
- financial transparency
Example sentences
- "A lack of transparency in the decision-making process led to widespread distrust among the staff." A corporate policy on communication.
Memory hook
Transparency means 'Trans' (across) 'Parent' (clear)—like a parent who has nothing to hide. Transparency = See-through secrets.
When not to use
In physics, it means light can pass through; in business, ensure you aren't using it for literal glass.
Fun facts
- The term 'Radical Transparency' was popularized by Ray Dalio, founder of the world's largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates.
Related words
Explore more words
transparent, disclosure, governance, accountability, candor, rule of law
Also appears in
- Leadership → Ethical Governance
- Business → Business Ethics & Compliance
- Technology → Ethics in Science & Tech
- Environmental Policy & Sustainability Economics → Corporate Social Responsibility
- Media, Journalism & Publishing → Censorship & Freedom of Speech
- Media, Journalism & Publishing → Public Relations & Spin
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