Transparency: meaning, definitions and examples

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transparency

 

[ trænˈspærənsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

in business

The quality of being transparent, easily understood, and open to scrutiny. Transparency is essential for building trust with customers and stakeholders.

Synonyms

clarity, honesty, openness.

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Word Description / Examples
transparency

Used when discussing the quality of being clear and open, especially in contexts involving business, governance, and communication to indicate that there is nothing hidden.

  • The company is committed to transparency in its financial reports.
  • Transparency in government allows citizens to trust the processes.
clarity

Best used when discussing the clearness of thoughts, communication, or appearance, often implying that something is easy to understand or see.

  • The teacher explained the concept with great clarity.
  • The document was revised for clarity.
openness

Ideal for situations where a lack of secrecy or being receptive to new ideas is emphasized, frequently used in social, organizational, and personal settings.

  • Openness to feedback is crucial for personal growth.
  • Their openness about the project's challenges was refreshing.
honesty

Appropriate when focusing on the quality of being truthful and sincere, especially in personal relationships and ethical discussions.

  • Her honesty is one of her best qualities.
  • He valued honesty above all else in their friendship.

Examples of usage

  • Companies are increasingly embracing transparency in their operations.
  • Transparency in financial reporting is crucial for investors.
Context #2 | Noun

in government

The practice of making information and decisions easily accessible to the public. Transparency in government promotes accountability and democracy.

Synonyms

accountability, disclosure, visibility.

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Word Description / Examples
transparency

Used when emphasizing the openness and clarity in actions, communications, and processes, particularly in organizational, governmental, or financial contexts.

  • The company maintained transparency by publishing its financial reports online
accountability

Refers to the responsibility or obligation of an individual or organization to account for their actions, accept responsibility, and disclose results in a transparent manner when stakeholders are involved.

  • The new policy aims to enhance accountability among the employees by implementing regular performance reviews
disclosure

Primarily used in legal, financial, or regulatory contexts, this word involves the act of making information known, especially when it has been kept secret or is required by law.

  • The bank was fined for failing to provide full disclosure of its investment risks
visibility

This word often highlights the state of being seen or easily observed, commonly used in contexts involving marketing, security, or awareness programs.

  • Increasing the store's visibility on social media helped boost its sales

Examples of usage

  • The government promised more transparency in its decision-making process.
  • Transparency laws require public officials to disclose their financial interests.
Context #3 | Noun

in materials

The property of being see-through, allowing light to pass through without diffusion. Transparency in materials is often desired in architectural design.

Synonyms

clarity, clearness, translucency.

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Word Description / Examples
transparency

Used often in contexts where openness and honesty are emphasized, such as in governance, business, or communication. It can also describe the physical property of an object that allows light to pass through.

  • The transparency of the company's financial reports builds trust with investors.
  • The glass wall's transparency allowed for a clear view of the garden.
clarity

This word is suitable for describing clearness in expression, thought, or appearance. It emphasizes the ease of understanding or seeing something without confusion.

  • Her clarity of speech made the presentation easy to follow.
  • The clarity of the lake water was astonishing.
translucency

This term is specifically used to describe materials or surfaces that allow light to pass through but scatter it so that objects on the other side are not clearly visible. It is more technical and less commonly used in everyday language.

  • The bathroom window has a level of translucency to maintain privacy while still allowing daylight in.
  • The artist used a paint that gave the glass a beautiful translucency.
clearness

Similar to 'clarity,' it's used to denote the quality of being easily perceived, understood, or seen. It is often interchangeable with 'clarity,' but might appear more in everyday language rather than formal speech.

  • The clearness of his explanation helped everyone understand the complex topic.
  • The clearness of the sky was perfect for stargazing.

Examples of usage

  • The glass walls provide transparency while maintaining privacy in the office.
  • The artist used transparent watercolors to achieve a delicate effect.

Translations

Translations of the word "transparency" in other languages:

🇵🇹 transparência

🇮🇳 पारदर्शिता

🇩🇪 Transparenz

🇮🇩 transparansi

🇺🇦 прозорість

🇵🇱 przejrzystość

🇯🇵 透明性

🇫🇷 transparence

🇪🇸 transparencia

🇹🇷 şeffaflık

🇰🇷 투명성

🇸🇦 شفافية

🇨🇿 transparentnost

🇸🇰 transparentnosť

🇨🇳 透明度

🇸🇮 transparentnost

🇮🇸 gagnsæi

🇰🇿 айқындық

🇬🇪 გამჭვირვალობა

🇦🇿 şəffaflıq

🇲🇽 transparencia

Etymology

The word 'transparency' originated from the Latin word 'transparens', which means 'to show through'. The concept of transparency has been valued throughout history in various contexts, such as governance, business, and materials. In modern times, transparency has become increasingly important in fostering trust, accountability, and openness in different aspects of society.

See also: transparently.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,949 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.