transparent
trans-PAIR-unt
/trænˈspærənt/
Easy to perceive or detect; open, frank, and candid; allowing light to pass through.
In modern corporate and political contexts, implies complete visibility of processes without hidden agendas.
The story behind the word. From Medieval Latin 'transparentem', combining Latin 'trans-' (across, through) and 'parere' (to show oneself, appear). Something transparent literally allows light to show through it so that whatever lies behind can be seen clearly.
Word relationships
- open: Open means accessible or unreserved, whereas transparent implies that everything inside is visible.
- lucid: Lucid means easy to understand, while transparent emphasizes lack of concealment.
- opaque: Not able to be seen through; hard to understand or hidden.
- secretive: Involving concealment and refusal to share information.
Commonly confused with
- translucent: Translucent lets light through but blurs images; transparent allows clear visibility through the material.
Word family
- transparency (noun): The condition of being transparent, open, and clear.
- transparently (adverb): In a transparent or easily seen manner.
Collocations
- transparent process
- transparent decision-making
- completely transparent
- transparent motives
Idioms & expressions
- clear as glass
Example sentences
- "The mayor promised a transparent process for allocating city contract funds." Government reform
- "We aim to be completely transparent with our investors regarding financial risks." Corporate governance
Memory hook
TRANS (through) + PARENT (appear) = Appearing through clearly. See straight through.
When not to use
Do not use to describe emotional vulnerability unless metaphorically clear.
Fun facts
- In physics, transparency requires light photons to pass through a material without scattering, mirror-imaging political transparency where facts pass directly to the public.
Related words
Explore more words
transparency, straightforward, lucid, candor, frank, perspicacious
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