What does transparent mean?
Transparent describes something that can be seen through, especially a material such as glass or clear water, because light passes through it without seriously obscuring what lies behind it. The word also describes language, processes, institutions, and relationships that are open, easy to understand, and not affected by secrecy. Someone who is transparent is candid about their actions, while a transparent decision-making process gives the public access to relevant information and reasoning. In everyday use, transparent can sometimes suggest that something is excessively exposed or too easily understood, although it is generally neutral and approving. The adjective is by far the most common form; transparently is used adverbially, and the verb is comparatively rare. Together, these uses make transparent a useful word for both physical clarity and the ethical ideal of openness.
Allowing light to pass through clearly enough for objects behind a material to be seen; also open, clear, or free from concealment.
"The report should be transparent so that readers can understand how the decision was made."
In a transparent manner, especially openly and without concealment.
"The company responded transparently to questions about its safety standards."
To make transparent or open to inspection.
"The procedure was designed to transparent the process of selecting the committee."
Transparent literally means “showing through”: the word comes from Latin transparere, formed from trans-, “across,” and parere, “to appear.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does transparent come from?
Transparent entered English in the early 16th century from Latin transparentem, the accusative form of transparens, meaning “showing through” or “transparent.” The Latin word was formed from trans-, meaning “across” or “through,” and parere, meaning “to appear.” The same Latin family produced related forms such as parent and parental, in which the underlying sense is that of being brought forth or appearing.
Related word forms
How transparent is actually used
In formal contexts, transparent often carries the moral and administrative sense of openness and accountability. It is usually neutral or approving, though “transparent about something” can suggest that the subject has been unduly exposed. The physical sense is especially common in descriptions of glass, liquids, fabrics, and other materials.
Easily confused with transparent
A transparent material allows objects behind it to be seen clearly, whereas a translucent material transmits light but obscures a clear view.