transparent

Everyday

1. Clear, so that you can see through it clearly: "Glass is transparent." tree →
2. Honest and open, with nothing hidden: "a transparent decision". tree →
3. Easy to see through or notice: "a transparent lie". tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on light, transparent materials let almost all light through: clear glass, clean water, cling film. In everyday life, people say a decision or rule is transparent when they can see how and why it was made. Phrases: transparent material, transparent plastic, a transparent excuse.

Examples

• Window glass is transparent. tree →
• Put the leftovers in a transparent box so we can see them. tree →
• Clean water is transparent. tree →
• Which materials are transparent, translucent or opaque? tree →
• His excuse was so transparent that everyone knew he was lying. tree →
• The club's rules are transparent and fair. tree →
• Shining glow-worms covered the ceiling, and sky-blue bats flapped their transparent wings. tree →

Note

Opposite: "opaque" (no light gets through). In between: "translucent". Spelling: ends in "-ent". Science: transparent things still reflect a little light, which is why you can see a glass window. The noun is "transparency".