opaque person

USAGE SUMMARY

"opaque person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is difficult to get to know or understand, and is often used in a metaphorical sense. For example, "She is an opaque person, rarely expressing her true feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She is "the most opaque person you'll ever meet in your life", said one Democrat senator – although adding that he would be, too, after her extraordinary life.

Independent

Charles Schumer, her former Senate colleague from New York, called her "the most opaque person you'll ever meet in your life".Mrs Clinton's critics on the right fret that she is a power-hungry statist.

The Economist

As Ms. Ruff's Berenice relates this, in a thrumming voice that turns everyday eroticism into something celestial, the theater is silent with the raptness that descends when we are afforded a blessed, 360-degree view of an opaque person's inner life.

The New York Times

But as the motivations for Maria become dimmer and dimmer, she struggles a bit to make sense of this opaque person.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

One of his personal highlights was the see-through pajamas worn by Barbra Streisand to the 1969 Academy Awards, which caused a scandal, even though the outfit appeared almost opaque in person.

The New York Times

The contributions made by the other winners are similarly opaque to the lay person.

Forbes

The process of government and the courts seems pretty opaque to your average person.

Los Angeles Times

One hundred and twenty cards printed with the letters A, B or C, designating the treatment group, were prepared and placed in sealed, opaque envelopes by a person with no connection with the study.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The randomisation sequence will be computer generated and concealed in sequentially numbered sealed, opaque envelopes by a person, not otherwise associated with this research, to eliminate any risk of randomisation/recruitment bias.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

One hundred and twenty cards printed with the letters A, B or C, designating treatment group, were prepared and placed in sealed, opaque envelopes by a person with no connection with the study.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

The opaque VC: This is the person who does not answer questions as directly and transparently as you are expected to.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "opaque person", consider the context and audience. It may be necessary to provide further clarification or examples to ensure your meaning is clear.

Common error

Avoid using "opaque person" in contexts where simple misunderstanding is the issue. Opaque suggests a deliberate or inherent lack of transparency, not just a failure to communicate effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opaque person" functions as a descriptive term, typically used to characterize an individual whose thoughts, motives, or feelings are difficult to discern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opaque person" describes someone difficult to understand, with hidden thoughts or motives. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Economist, often in news or analytical contexts. Alternatives include "enigmatic individual" or "inscrutable character". Use it when you want to stress someone's lack of transparency, being mindful of the possible negative connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enigmatic individual

Emphasizes the mysterious and puzzling nature of the person.

inscrutable character

Highlights the difficulty in interpreting the person's thoughts and feelings.

unreadable person

Focuses on the inability to discern the person's inner state.

secretive personality

Stresses the tendency to keep thoughts and actions hidden.

closed-off individual

Indicates a reluctance to share personal information or emotions.

guarded person

Highlights the cautiousness and defensiveness in interactions.

mysterious figure

Suggests an aura of intrigue and hidden motives.

impenetrable personality

Emphasizes the impossibility of understanding or influencing the person.

non-transparent individual

Directly points out the lack of openness and clarity.

hard-to-know person

Focuses on the challenge of forming a close or informed relationship.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who is difficult to understand without using the phrase "opaque person"?

You could use alternatives such as "enigmatic individual", "inscrutable character", or "secretive personality" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "opaque person" a negative description?

The term "opaque person" is generally neutral to negative. It implies a lack of transparency or difficulty in understanding, which can be seen as a negative trait, especially in positions of leadership or trust. However, in certain contexts, it might simply describe someone who is private or reserved.

Can "opaque" be used to describe things other than people?

Yes, "opaque" can describe objects, systems, or concepts that are difficult to see through or understand. For example, you might say "The financial regulations are opaque" or "The company's decision-making process is opaque".

What's the difference between an "opaque person" and a "transparent person"?

An "opaque person" is difficult to understand, with hidden motives or feelings. A "transparent person", on the other hand, is open and honest, with easily discernible intentions and emotions. Think of it in terms of light: opaque blocks light, while transparent allows it to pass through.