opaque context

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "opaque context" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or environment where information is unclear or difficult to understand. Example: "The instructions provided were in an opaque context, leaving the team confused about the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

And in the opaque context substitution could only be made between conceptually identical terms.

SEP

If 'because' creates an opaque context, then it would be illegitimate to suppose that (8) and (9) entail (10).

SEP

This too is a possibility; however, it is not clear that 'because' creates opaque context of the right kind.

SEP

Another response would be to object that 'because' creates an opaque context — that is, the kind of context within which one cannot substitute co-referring expressions and preserve truth.

SEP

The problem is recognizably the familiar one of substitutivity in referentially opaque contexts, such as propositional attitudes and modal contexts.[52] Talk of good reasons being ones where the debater has a desire to know P but not an equivalent Q is indeed an opaque context.

SEP

In general we can distinguish two kinds of opaque context: intensional contexts, which allow the substitution of necessarily co-referring expressions but not contingently co-referring expressions; and hyper-intensional contexts, which do not even allow the substitution of necessarily co-referring expressions.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

We assume that our language L1K= has no opaque contexts.

SEP

The second puzzle concerns the Law of Identity as it operates in (so-called) opaque contexts.

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This failure of substitutivity, Williamson claims, is a bad result, for counterfactuals should not create opaque contexts.

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Brogaard & Salerno 2013 reply by biting the bullet to some extent: counterpossibles do occasionally create opaque contexts, but this is not too bad.

SEP

It should be stressed, however, that these problems of opaque contexts are not Geluk Tibetan inventions, but are certainly those of Dharmakīrti.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "opaque context", ensure the surrounding text clarifies what specifically is unclear or difficult to understand to avoid vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "opaque context" simply to sound sophisticated. Ensure it genuinely reflects a lack of transparency or clarity that hinders understanding. If the context is merely complex but understandable with effort, a different term might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opaque context" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "opaque" modifies "context". It serves to describe a setting or situation characterized by a lack of clarity or transparency. Ludwig provides examples in scientific and philosophical texts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opaque context" effectively describes situations lacking clarity or transparency. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, its usage tends to be more common in academic and professional settings, particularly in science, philosophy, and law. When employing this phrase, ensuring clarity in the surrounding text is crucial to avoid further confusion. Alternative phrases like "ambiguous situation" or "murky context" can be considered depending on the desired nuance. Given its relatively uncommon frequency, deliberate use of "opaque context" can add a touch of sophistication but should always prioritize clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

murky context

Replaces "opaque" with "murky", suggesting a dark or unclear situation.

ambiguous situation

Substitutes the noun "context" for "situation" to describe an unclear scenario.

unclear environment

Replaces both words, focusing on the lack of clarity in a setting.

confusing circumstance

Emphasizes the bewilderment caused by the lack of clarity.

incomprehensible setting

Highlights the inability to understand the background or situation.

inscrutable backdrop

Emphasizes the mysterious and difficult-to-interpret nature of the context.

arcane circumstances

Suggests an obscure and specialized situation that is difficult to understand.

enigmatic framework

Implies a puzzling and mysterious structure or system.

blurred scenario

Conveys the idea of a context that lacks sharp definition or clarity.

veiled backdrop

Indicates that the context is concealed or partially hidden from view.

FAQs

How can I use "opaque context" in a sentence?

You can use "opaque context" to describe situations where understanding is obscured or unclear. For example, "The legal jargon created an opaque context for the average reader."

What are some alternatives to "opaque context"?

Alternatives include "ambiguous situation", "unclear environment", or "murky context", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean for a context to be "opaque"?

When a context is described as "opaque", it means that it is difficult to see through or understand, lacking transparency or clarity.

In what fields is "opaque context" commonly used?

"Opaque context" is commonly used in fields such as philosophy, law, and finance to describe situations where information is obscured or intentionally complex, but it can also be used in everyday language to describe confusing or mysterious situations.