What does "transparent" mean?

1. (see-through) allowing light to pass through so that you can see objects on the other side clearly. 2. (honest and open) open and honest, without any secrets or hidden information. 3. (obvious) easy to see or understand; not hiding anything. 4. (computing) happening in the background so that the user does not notice it.

How do you use "transparent"?

Usually describes background processes or software updates.

transparent

adj.

US //tɹænˈspɛɹənt// UK //tɹænspˈæɹənt// trans·par·ent

1 see-through (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

allowing light to pass through so that you can see objects on the other side clearly.

having the physical property of transmitting light so that bodies situated beyond are entirely visible.

Example

The water in the lake was so transparent that we could see the fish swimming at the bottom.

Example

The architect specified transparent glass panels for the atrium to ensure the interior remained flooded with natural light throughout the winter months.
- clear
- see through
- translucent
- opaque
2 honest and open (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

open and honest, without any secrets or hidden information.

characterised by accessibility of information and a lack of hidden agendas, particularly in a professional or political context.

Example

The company promised to be more transparent about how it uses customer data.

Example

To regain public trust, the government implemented a more transparent bidding process for all future infrastructure projects.
- secretive
- opaque

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3 obvious (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

easy to see or understand; not hiding anything.

easily detected or seen through; readily apparent to the mind.

Example

His lies were transparent, and nobody in the room believed his story.

Example

The motive behind the sudden policy shift was transparent to anyone familiar with the upcoming election cycle.
- ambiguous
- hidden
4 computing (adj.)
C1 Advanced Technical Computing

happening in the background so that the user does not notice it.

functioning without being apparent to the user; describing a process that occurs automatically without requiring manual intervention.

Example

The software update was transparent, so I could keep working while it installed.

Example

The system performs transparent data encryption, ensuring that security protocols do not interfere with the end-user experience.

Usage

Usually describes background processes or software updates.
- invisible
- seamless

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.