ENGLISH
REFERENCE

transparency

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced Oxford US //tɹænˈspɛɹənsi// UK //tɹænspˈæɹənsi// trans·paren·cy

n. the quality of being easy to see through, like clear glass. In business or government, it means being honest and open so that everyone can see what is happening.

n. the physical property of allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen. In an abstract sense, it refers to the operating requirement for openness, accountability, and the clear communication of information.


SIMPLE

The window has perfect transparency.

CONTEXTUAL

The public demanded more transparency from the government regarding how tax money was being spent on the new project.

COMPLEX

While the physical transparency of the building's glass facade was meant to symbolize openness, critics argued that the internal corporate culture remained opaque and secretive.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Medieval Latin trānspārentia, equivalent to transparent + -cy.

Usage

Uncountable in most abstract contexts; can be countable when referring to specific physical slides used with an overhead projector.

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