diaphanous

USAGE SUMMARY

"diaphanous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sheer, gauzy, or filmy material or garment. For example, "She wore a diaphanous blue dress for the summer celebration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Asymmetric diaphanous layered skirts floated on the catwalk at Missoni.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There are some great trompe l'oeil layered tops at Zara, Asos has gone big on dresses with diaphanous top layers and Topshop has done some neat and sturdy skorts (shorts/skirts).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Watching the documentary film Ballets Russes last week, I winced as ancient ballerinas, octogenarians if a day, retraced sequences from their Diaghilev-era youth dressed in backless leotards and diaphanous tutus, attitudes struck with dove hands and much dewy simpering.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When she came to design clothes for Bette Davis (Another Man's Poison, 1951), including a diaphanous chiffon nightdress, Joan Crawford (The Story of Esther Costello, 1957), and Lauren Bacall (North West Frontier, 1960), she managed to strike a balance between what people wore in reality and the Hollywood glamour the stars were used to.

The Guardian - Film

What looked like a clear window back into the earliest moments of the universe might simply have been a faint glow from the diaphanous clouds of dust that exist between the stars.The BICEP-2 team, led by John Kovac of Harvard University, had been studying the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB a weak bath of radiation, left over from the Big Bang, that suffuses the universe.

The Economist

In Titian's "Portrait of Archbishop Filippo Archinto", for instance, the cleric, whose career ended badly, is shown half veiled by a diaphanous curtain.In this section Capitalism's martyred hero Gory glamour Travails of trade Paterfamilias Monty Celestial sacrifice When it's fun to be fooled ReprintsIn most of the show, however, fooling the viewer is the focus.

The Economist

Then, in March, ICARUS, another experiment that studies the diaphanous particles, which are nearly as ubiquitous in the universe as photons, yet rarely interact with anything, found them to obey Einstein's strictures.

The Economist

Entering the exhibition, the visitor steps into a cubical area that is partially enclosed by diaphanous material.

The Economist

On the walk to the ledge, along a cliff-hugging path that is just slightly less perilous than it looks from afar, you may well be visited by fairy terns, snowy white and almost diaphanous of wing, hovering curiously close by.

The Economist

He did not confine himself to androgynous clothing, though: he also favoured diaphanous blouses worn without underwear, a fashion that has supposedly returned this year, though most busts still seem to be encased in polystyrene.He was always imaginative, taking inspiration not just from artists like Mondrian but also from Africa and Russian ballet.

The Economist

Often headless, these naked women appear remote and mysterious, owing to Blumenfeld's use of mirrors, diaphanous fabrics and solarisation (a darkroom technique that inverts the lights and darks of an image).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "diaphanous" to describe materials or objects that are so fine and thin that they appear almost transparent. This word is especially effective when describing fabrics, light, or abstract concepts that possess a delicate, airy quality.

Common error

Avoid using "diaphanous" to describe something that is clearly opaque or solid. The term specifically denotes a degree of transparency or translucence; applying it to an object that blocks light completely would be incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "diaphanous" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe their quality of being almost transparent or of having a fine, delicate texture. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "diaphanous" is a versatile adjective used to describe objects with a delicate, almost transparent quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use across various contexts, though it is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific writings. When using "diaphanous", ensure the object you are describing truly possesses a degree of transparency, avoiding its misapplication to opaque items. Alternative terms like "translucent", "sheer", or "gossamer" can provide similar nuances depending on the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey. By understanding its proper usage and connotations, you can effectively use "diaphanous" to enrich your descriptions with a touch of ethereal beauty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

translucent

Focuses on the ability to transmit light, similar to "diaphanous", but without necessarily implying fineness of texture.

sheer

Emphasizes thinness and transparency, often used in the context of fabrics.

gossamer

Highlights extreme delicacy and lightness, like a spider's web.

filmy

Describes a thin, almost transparent covering or layer.

gauzy

Refers to a loosely woven, translucent fabric.

thin

Indicates a lack of thickness, potentially allowing light to pass through.

see-through

Directly states the ability to see through something.

lightweight

Focuses on the lack of weight, but can imply a delicate, almost transparent nature in some contexts.

delicate

Highlights fragility and fineness, suggesting a subtle transparency.

ethereal

Suggests a lightness and delicacy that is almost otherworldly or spiritual.

FAQs

How can I use "diaphanous" in a sentence?

"Diaphanous" is typically used to describe materials that are very thin and almost transparent. For example, "The dancer wore a "diaphanous gown" that shimmered in the light".

What is a good synonym for "diaphanous"?

Synonyms for "diaphanous" include "translucent", "sheer", "gossamer", and "filmy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say something is "very diaphanous"?

While grammatically correct, saying something is "very diaphanous" might be redundant. "Diaphanous" already implies a high degree of transparency and fineness. Consider using alternatives like "exceptionally diaphanous" for emphasis, or simply relying on the inherent meaning of "diaphanous".

What is the difference between "diaphanous" and "transparent"?

"Transparent" implies complete clarity, allowing objects to be seen clearly through the material. "Diaphanous" suggests a more delicate, gauzy transparency where the object may be visible, but the view is softened or diffused. For instance, "glass" is usually described as "transparent", while a very fine "silk" may be better described as "diaphanous".