Transparent
adjective /trænsˈpærənt/ — Open, honest — nothing hidden.
Definition
Easy to perceive or detect; not concealing anything; open and honest in communication.
Beyond the definition
Transparent organisations and people are trusted more — even when the news isn't good. Transparency means you share what you know, including the difficult parts. It's the word for when honesty is made into a system, not just a one-off gesture.
Origin & history
From medieval Latin transparere — to show through (trans- 'through' + parere 'to appear'). Something you can see all the way through.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The company was transparent about the delays and explained exactly what had gone wrong.
A transparent hiring process makes candidates feel respected even if they're rejected.
She was transparent about her own limitations, which made her team trust her completely.
How to use it
This entry uses an adjective. Follow the examples for the nouns it describes and its position in the sentence.
Choose “Transparent” when the meaning fits your context: Easy to perceive or detect; not concealing anything; open and honest in communication.
Synonyms
open, honest, clear, candid, straightforward
Antonyms
secretive, opaque, hidden, evasive
Related words
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Balanced Composition of Objects
An adult in a minimalist room is carefully arranging three simple, clear objects on a wooden tray, showing everything in the composition.
The minimalist, open arrangement reflects transparency. Nothing is concealed in the composition; every object is easy to perceive and evaluate. The openness and balance of the tray represent an honest, clear visual communication where all elements are readily accessible to the viewer.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Transparent" mean?
Transparent is adjective meaning: Open, honest — nothing hidden.. Easy to perceive or detect; not concealing anything; open and honest in communication.
Where does the word "Transparent" come from?
From medieval Latin transparere — to show through (trans- 'through' + parere 'to appear'). Something you can see all the way through.