transparent

adjective trans·par·ent \tran(t)s-ˈper-ənt\

: able to be seen through

: easy to notice or understand

: honest and open : not secretive

Full Definition of TRANSPARENT

a (1) : having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly : pellucid (2) : allowing the passage of a specified form of radiation (as X-rays or ultraviolet light)

b : fine or sheer enough to be seen through : diaphanous

a : free from pretense or deceit : frank

b : easily detected or seen through : obvious

c : readily understood

d : characterized by visibility or accessibility of information especially concerning business practices

— trans·par·ent·ly adverb

— trans·par·ent·ness noun

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Origin of TRANSPARENT

Middle English, from Medieval Latin transparent-, transparens, present participle of transparēre to show through, from Latin trans- + parēre to show oneself

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to TRANSPARENT

Synonyms: crystal, crystal clear, crystalline, limpid, liquid, lucent, pellucid, see-through, clear

Antonyms: cloudy, opaque

Synonym Discussion of TRANSPARENT

clear, transparent, translucent, limpid mean capable of being seen through. clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness <clear water>. transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly <a transparent sheet of film>. translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond <translucent frosted glass>. limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water <her eyes were limpid pools of blue>.

clear, perspicuous, lucid mean quickly and easily understood. clear implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity <clear instructions>. perspicuous applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear <a perspicuous style>. lucid suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement <a lucid explanation>.