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Opaque Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŒซ๏ธ
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opaque

[ษ™สŠหˆpeษชk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

material

not able to be seen through; not transparent.

Synonyms

cloudy, muddy, non-transparent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
opaque

Describing materials or surfaces that donโ€™t let light pass through, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The glass in the bathroom window is opaque to ensure privacy
  • The substance in the test tube was opaque, indicating a chemical reaction
non-transparent

Similar to 'opaque,' but used more formally or descriptively to indicate a lack of transparency, often in written or formal contexts.

  • The document was printed on non-transparent paper to prevent copying
  • The companyโ€™s financial dealings were criticized for being non-transparent
cloudy

Referring to liquids or skies that are not clear, often used in casual or everyday speech.

  • The sky was cloudy, so we decided to postpone the picnic
  • The lemonade turned cloudy after adding too much sugar
muddy

Describing liquids (especially water) that contain dirt or sediment, often used to describe natural settings or conditions.

  • After the heavy rain, the river water became muddy
  • His boots were covered in muddy water from walking through the field

Examples of usage

  • the windows were opaque with steam
  • opaque tights
Context #2 | Adjective

meaning

hard or impossible to understand; unfathomable.

Synonyms

cryptic, enigmatic, obscure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
opaque

Use when describing something that is not transparent or challenging to understand due to its complexity or vagueness.

  • The glass was opaque, preventing anyone from seeing inside
  • His opaque writing style made the article difficult to grasp
obscure

Typically refers to something that is not well-known, hidden, or not easily understood due to lack of clarity.

  • The origins of the ritual are obscure
  • His speech was full of obscure references that confused the audience
cryptic

Best used when something is intentionally mysterious or has a hidden meaning that requires decoding.

  • The old map had a cryptic message that led us to a hidden treasure
  • Her cryptic response left everyone puzzled
enigmatic

Ideal for describing something or someone that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand, often used with a sense of intrigue or curiosity.

  • She gave an enigmatic smile that made everyone wonder what she was thinking
  • The artist's enigmatic paintings attracted many admirers

Examples of usage

  • opaque legal jargon
  • the opaque language of the report

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In optics, materials are classified as opaque, transparent, or translucent based on how they interact with light.
  • Most metals are opaque, preventing light from passing through due to their atomic structure.

Art

  • In painting, 'opaque' colors are those that cover underlying layers completely, unlike transparent washes.
  • Artists often use opaque mediums, like oil paints, to create rich, vibrant works that are not see-through.

Psychology

  • The concept of opaqueness can be related to communication; when messages are unclear, they become 'opaque' to understanding.
  • In discussions around emotional transparency, being described as opaque can mean someone is not open about their feelings.

Technology

  • In computing, 'opaque' often refers to system components that donโ€™t reveal their inner workings to users, enhancing security.
  • Data that is termed as opaque can indicate information that is difficult to analyze or interpret without additional context.

Origin of 'opaque'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'opacus', meaning 'shaded' or 'dark'.
  • It entered the English language in the early 17th century, evolving from its Latin roots to describe non-transparent materials.

The word 'opaque' originated in the early 17th century from the Latin word 'opacus', meaning shaded or shady. It was first used in English to describe something that is not transparent or difficult to understand. Over time, 'opaque' has become a commonly used term in various fields such as physics, art, and literature.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,549 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.