Transparent

/trænsˈpɛrənt/ adjective

Definition

Easy to see through, like clear glass, or easy to understand and not secretive.

Etymology

From Latin *transparens* “showing through,” from *trans-* “through” + *parere* “to appear.” It came into English in the late Middle Ages, first for physical clarity and then for clear explanations or honest behavior.

Kelly Says

Calling a lie “transparent” is a clever insult: it means the trick is so obvious you can see straight through it. School windows and simple explanations are both praised for being transparent, even though one is glass and the other is language.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.