relatively opaque

USAGE SUMMARY

"relatively opaque" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is not completely clear or transparent, especially in comparison to something else. For example: "The glass was relatively opaque, allowing only a faint outline of the objects behind it." Alternative expressions include "somewhat unclear" and "partially transparent."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Beyond that, though, screams are relatively opaque.

The New Yorker

First, it's a relatively opaque poll with a small number of respondents.

The Washington Post

At least two-thirds of the trades are over-the-counter and relatively opaque.

The Economist

The over-the-counter derivatives market, worth about $600 trillion, is relatively opaque.

The New York Times

But shadow banking is relatively opaque and loosely regulated, and it carries greater credit risk, analysts warn.

The New York Times

While Russia has taken great strides in improving its economy and increasing scrutiny of its financial system, its economic landscape remains relatively opaque.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

By promoting the stock market, Ubide said, authorities could kill two birds with one stone: push enterprises to the relatively less opaque environment of raising money through equity sales on exchanges while encouraging everyday Chinese to buy up that equity for the long-term in the manner of other industrialized countries, where retirements are often partly or wholly invested in stock markets.

Vice

An appeals court remanded the case because the Judge had written a relatively short and opaque sentencing order.

The New Yorker

Roya (Lily Balsen) is a relatively passive and opaque presence; we mostly hear from the officers (both played by Abraham Makany) and from Paul Jay Pattersonn), who spends a lot of time stepping outside the scene and listing long strings of words detailing the peculiar things around him ("Screeching of taxiing American cargo jets... Brats playing at the feet of pilgrims in black burqas").

The New York Times

This should help stabilize world capital flow-reducing its flow to opaque, relatively dangerous places and increasing it to the more trustworthy ones.

Forbes

Even when the screens were fully opaque, relatively large and permanent (group 2, 31 days), the monkeys rarely showed sexual activity near screens; moreover, this rare activity occurred with equal frequency on the visible and on the invisible side of the screen from the perspective of the alpha male.

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relatively opaque", ensure you provide context to clarify what it is being compared to. This enhances the reader's understanding of the degree of opacity being described.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively opaque" when complete opacity is intended. The phrase implies a degree of transparency, so using it to describe something entirely blocked or incomprehensible is inaccurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively opaque" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun. It indicates that something is not entirely transparent or clear, but rather exhibits a degree of obscurity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is used correctly and can be found in a wide range of published material.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively opaque" is a versatile adjectival modifier used to describe something that isn't fully transparent or clear. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While grammatically sound and frequently used, ensure proper contextualization to clarify the degree of opacity. For alternatives, consider phrases like "somewhat translucent" or "not entirely transparent", always ensuring the chosen phrase accurately reflects the intended level of obscurity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not entirely transparent

Directly contrasts with full transparency, highlighting the presence of some level of obscurity or blockage.

partially obscure

Highlights the idea that something is not fully visible or understandable, adding a sense of mystery or vagueness.

reasonably obscure

Indicates a moderate level of hiddenness or unfamiliarity, implying that information is not readily available or well-known.

somewhat translucent

Focuses on the limited ability to see through something, emphasizing light transmission rather than overall clarity.

not fully revealed

Emphasizes the idea that some information or aspects are being withheld or remain unknown.

fairly ambiguous

Emphasizes a lack of clarity in meaning or interpretation, shifting the focus from physical to conceptual opacity.

rather indistinct

Focuses on a lack of clear definition or sharpness, implying a blurry or vague quality.

slightly veiled

Suggests a deliberate or unintentional concealment, adding a layer of intrigue to the lack of transparency.

somewhat impenetrable

Suggests difficulty in understanding or accessing something, emphasizing the barriers to comprehension.

moderately cryptic

Implies a hidden or puzzling quality, suggesting that understanding requires effort or special knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "relatively opaque" to describe something that isn't entirely clear or transparent. For example, "The financial markets can be "relatively opaque", making it difficult for investors to assess risks."

What's the difference between "relatively opaque" and "completely opaque"?

"Relatively opaque" means something is partially see-through or understandable, while "completely opaque" means it's impossible to see through or understand at all. The key difference is the degree of transparency or clarity.

What can I say instead of "relatively opaque"?

You could use phrases like "somewhat translucent", "partially obscure", or "not entirely transparent" to express similar meanings depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "relatively opaque" in formal writing?

Yes, "relatively opaque" is appropriate for formal writing. As evidenced by its presence in publications such as The New York Times and The Economist, it's suitable for professional and academic contexts.