transparent

USAGE SUMMARY

"transparent" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that can be seen through, or something that is easy to understand, either literally or figuratively. For example: "The windowpane was completely transparent, offering a clear view of the street outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A third principle riding atop these is transparency: the notion that government should be transparent by default and secret by necessity (and there are necessary secrets).

The Guardian - Opinion

The Tory manifesto said in vague terms that a Conservative government "would legislate to ensure trade unions use a transparent opt-in process for union subscriptions", but made no mention of the political levy.

The Guardian

As a sector, we are one of the most transparent, accountable and dare I say most-obsessed with self-improvement.

The Guardian

If the purpose of the judgment is not to enable censorship of publishers by the back door, then we'd encourage Google to be transparent about the criteria it is using to make these decisions, and how publishers can challenge them".

The Guardian - Tech

A photo licensing system and the banned drinker register was "fairer and more transparent" than TBLs and less humiliating, Boffa said.

The Guardian

Like him, she favours transparent monetary policy, public targets, more and better communication.

The Guardian - Business

The former chair of the borough's housing committee said she has a more transparent and inclusive approach compared to Rahman.

The Guardian

The most serious eye infection is keratitis, caused by bacteria and other organisms that affect the cornea – the transparent dome-shaped structure at the front of the eye.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We think that having taken that step to have transparent numbers, real numbers, not only benefits us because it holds us to a high standard, but we hope that it could impact the industry as a whole".

The Guardian

Related: Transparent season one is free for a day – here's why you should watch it Those who reviewed it, however, were generally keen on it: like Mad Dogs, it managed a four-and-a-half-star rating, better than any of the shows that didn't make the cut.

The Guardian

"In order to uproot the systemic embedded abuse that has allowed for the creation of such 'black sites' like that of Homan Square as well as police torturers like that of Jon Burge, transparent and persistent investigation is the first step of many," a statement attributed to the group read.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like policies or processes, use "transparent" to emphasize openness and accessibility. For example, "The company aims to have a "transparent" decision-making process."

Common error

Avoid using "transparent" when the context already implies clarity. For instance, saying "a transparent window" is redundant since windows are inherently meant to be clear.

Linguistic Context

The word "transparent" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their ability to allow light to pass through or to denote openness and clarity. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "transparent" is a versatile adjective indicating the ability to see through something or conveying openness and clarity. Ludwig AI validates its correct grammatical standing and frequent use across diverse contexts, predominantly in news, business, and scientific domains. When writing, aim to employ "transparent" to highlight openness and avoid redundancy. Alternatives like "clear", "open", and "obvious" offer contextual substitutions. Remembering its dual nature—physical and abstract—enhances precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unambiguous

Indicates a lack of multiple interpretations; emphasizes clarity in meaning and intention.

clear

Implies easily understood or perceived; less emphasis on visual clarity and more on conceptual clarity.

open

Focuses on accessibility and lack of secrecy; emphasizes availability of information rather than its understandability.

see-through

Specifically refers to the ability to see through something physically; less applicable to abstract concepts.

obvious

Highlights the ease with which something can be noticed or understood; often implies lack of subtlety.

apparent

Suggests something is readily visible or evident; similar to obvious but can also imply deceptive appearance.

lucid

Emphasizes clarity of expression or thought; more formal and often used in intellectual contexts.

plain

Indicates simplicity and lack of complexity, making something easy to understand; sometimes implies lack of sophistication.

distinct

Highlights clear differentiation and easy recognition; focuses on separateness and clarity of outline.

forthright

Emphasizes directness and honesty in communication; focuses on sincerity and lack of hidden agendas.

FAQs

How can I use "transparent" in a sentence?

You can use "transparent" to describe something see-through (like "transparent" glass) or something easily understood (like a "transparent" policy).

What words can I use instead of "transparent"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "clear", "open", or "obvious".

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

"Transparent" means allowing light to pass through so objects can be seen clearly, while "translucent" allows light to pass through but objects are not clearly visible.

When is it appropriate to use "transparent" in a business context?

It's appropriate to use "transparent" when describing business practices, policies, or financial reporting to emphasize openness and accountability.