# transparent

/tɹænˈspɛɹənt/ (US) · /tɹænspˈæɹənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/transparent
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. see-through

adjective · CEFR B1

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

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

- The water in the lake was so transparent that we could see the fish swimming at the bottom.
- The architect specified transparent glass panels for the atrium to ensure the interior remained flooded with natural light throughout the winter months.

### 2. honest and open

adjective · CEFR B2

open and honest, without any secrets or hidden information.

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

- The company promised to be more transparent about how it uses customer data.
- To regain public trust, the government implemented a more transparent bidding process for all future infrastructure projects.

### 3. obvious

adjective · CEFR B2

easy to see or understand; not hiding anything.

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

- His lies were transparent, and nobody in the room believed his story.
- The motive behind the sudden policy shift was transparent to anyone familiar with the upcoming election cycle.

### 4. computing

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

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

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

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

## Examples

- The water in the lake is perfectly transparent.
- The company promised to be more transparent about how they use customer data.
- Establishing a transparent regulatory framework is essential for attracting foreign investment, as it reduces the perceived risk of corruption and arbitrary decision-making.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.