opaque

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opaque" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not transparent or difficult to understand, often in contexts related to language, materials, or concepts. Example: "The instructions were so opaque that I had to ask for clarification multiple times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Outside lawyers and accountants set up "ghost" networks of offshore companies, to make the transfers even more opaque.

The Guardian - Business

The opaque state lobby registers, together with the Federal register, are littered with former government staffers, high ranking political advisors and former politicians whose experience is now being put to good use by the resources and energy majors.

The Guardian

Rather than an opaque carapace, it offers continually changing glimpses through and across its surfaces that, as well as creating simple visual fascination, communicate a sense of its inner life.

The Guardian - Arts

But its makers, a group called Invisible Children, have been widely criticised by Ugandan journalists and other aid agencies for being self-promoting (the video spends much of its 28 minutes on its maker, Jason Russell and his young son, Gavin) and opaque about its use of funds – and for concentrating on an issue that has dramatically changed in recent years.

The Guardian

A spokesman said: "Energy companies don't seem to have got the message that their customers just won't accept opaque book-keeping and unexplained profits".

The Guardian - Money

So I decided to ask for the applications and the basis of the government's choices – a process that is otherwise entirely opaque.

The Guardian

When the Chinese president-elect Xi Jinping went off the radar for nine days in September 2012, shortly before his accession, there were fewer jokes – China is too opaque a country to joke about – but no sense of impending crisis, despite the persistent rumours of instability within the Chinese communist party.

The Guardian

Add a teaspoon of honey and, once that's melted, tilt the pan slightly and repeatedly spoon the hot mixture over the egg until the top of the yolk is just opaque.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the remainder of cases, the entire process is silent and opaque, with very little public process or understanding of delisting.

The Guardian - Tech

There seems to be an authoritarianism, things are impersonal and opaque".

The Guardian

While some of those symbols may be common and somewhat transparent – the cowrie shell or a mask, for instance – others are more opaque and open to multiple layers of interpretation.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like policies or financial dealings, use "opaque" to indicate a lack of transparency and potential for hidden agendas. This adds a layer of critical analysis to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "opaque" when a simpler word like "dark" or "unclear" would suffice. Overusing sophisticated vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious rather than insightful.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "opaque" primarily functions to describe something that light cannot pass through or something that is difficult to understand. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in describing abstract concepts and tangible objects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "opaque" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that is not transparent, either literally or figuratively. Ludwig AI highlights its frequent application in news and media, formal business contexts, and the arts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in simple descriptions. Related phrases such as "unclear" and "nontransparent" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the intended meaning. Ultimately, mastering the usage of "opaque" involves understanding its connotations and applying it appropriately to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unclear

Focuses on the lack of clarity, making it difficult to understand.

nontransparent

Highlights the absence of transparency, often in a figurative sense.

obscure

Suggests that something is hidden or not easily discovered.

ambiguous

Implies that something can be interpreted in multiple ways, leading to uncertainty.

murky

Conveys a sense of being clouded or difficult to see through, both literally and figuratively.

impenetrable

Emphasizes the impossibility of understanding or accessing something.

incomprehensible

Highlights the inability to understand something, often due to its complexity.

enigmatic

Suggests a mysterious and puzzling quality.

inscrutable

Implies that something is difficult to interpret or understand, often referring to a person's expression or motives.

muddy

Similar to murky, suggesting a lack of clarity and precision.

FAQs

How can I use "opaque" in a sentence?

You can use "opaque" to describe something that isn't transparent or easy to understand. For example: "The company's financial statements were deliberately opaque."

What can I say instead of "opaque"?

You can use alternatives like "unclear", "nontransparent", or "obscure" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "opaque details" or "transparent details"?

"Opaque details" suggests the details are hidden or difficult to understand, while "transparent details" means the details are clear and easily accessible. The correct phrase depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "opaque" and "ambiguous"?

"Opaque" suggests a lack of transparency or clarity, while "ambiguous" means something is open to multiple interpretations. An "opaque" statement might be intentionally vague, while an "ambiguous" one could be unintentionally confusing.