Opaqueness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ๏ธ
opaqueness
[ษหpฤkwษnnษs ]
Definition
lack of transparency
The opaqueness of the glass made it difficult to see through. Opaqueness can be caused by various factors such as dirt, paint, or frosted glass. In some cultures, opaqueness is seen as a symbol of privacy and security.
Synonyms
lack of transparency, obscurity, opacity.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| opaqueness |
Used to describe the quality of not being clear, often in a literal or figurative sense. It can relate to materials that do not allow light to pass through or situations that are not easily understood.
|
| lack of transparency |
Often used in discussions about governance, business practices, and communication to point out situations where information is not openly shared or where actions are not clear.
|
| obscurity |
Typically used to describe something that is difficult to understand, ambiguous, or hidden from view. This word often implies a level of complexity or a sense of being enigmatic.
|
| opacity |
Mostly used in technical or formal contexts to refer to the quality of a material that does not let light through. It can also be used figuratively to describe a lack of understandability.
|
Examples of usage
- The opaqueness of the water prevented us from seeing the fish below.
- The opaqueness of the company's financial statements raised concerns among investors.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In optics, 'opaqueness' is a critical factor in designing materials for windows and lenses.
- Certain liquids, like milk, are opaque due to their molecular structure, which scatters light.
- Opaqueness can affect visibility and safety in various contexts, such as foggy weather.
Art
- Artists use opaque paints to create solid, vibrant colors that cover underlying surfaces.
- In photography, filters manipulate light to create either opaque or transparent effects.
- Some glass artworks intentionally incorporate opaqueness to enhance texture and design.
Literature
- Writers often describe emotions or thoughts as opaque to symbolize complexity and depth.
- In poetry, the use of opaque imagery can create mystery and intrigue in a narrative.
- Many modern novels employ opaque prose style to reflect characters' confusion or inner turmoil.
Psychology
- Communication can become opaque when messages are unclear, leading to misunderstandings.
- The concept of emotional opaqueness refers to difficulties in expressing or interpreting feelings.
- In cognitive psychology, humans may perceive ambiguous situations as opaque, leading to anxiety.
Origin of 'opaqueness'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'opacus', meaning 'shadowy or dark'.
- It was adopted into English in the early 17th century, originally describing glass.
- The shift in meaning to include 'hard to understand' appeared in the 19th century.
The word 'opaqueness' originated from the Latin word 'opacus' meaning 'dark' or 'shaded'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the lack of transparency or translucency in a material. Opaqueness can be found in various substances such as glass, liquid, or financial information, where the inability to see through is a key characteristic.