ENGLISH
REFERENCE

transparent

adj.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //tɹænˈspɛɹənt// UK //tɹænspˈæɹənt// trans·par·ent Dialect

adj. clear enough to see through, like a clean window. It also describes a person or process that is honest and does not hide secrets.

adj. allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen. In a figurative sense, it describes processes or communications that are open, honest, and easy to understand.


SIMPLE

The water in the lake is perfectly transparent.

CONTEXTUAL

The company promised to be more transparent about how they use customer data.

COMPLEX

Establishing a transparent regulatory framework is essential for attracting foreign investment, as it reduces the perceived risk of corruption and arbitrary decision-making.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

Borrowed from Medieval Latin trānspārēns, trānspārēntis (“transparent”), present participle of transpareō, from Latin trans + pareō. Displaced native Old English þurhsīene.

Etymology 2

From trans- (“transgender or transsexual”) + parent.

Usage

Commonly used both literally for physical materials and figuratively for social or political systems.

Pitfall

The glass is very transparencyThe glass is very transparentLearners often confuse the adjective 'transparent' with the noun 'transparency'.

© 2026 English Reference