diaphanous

adjective

di·​aph·​a·​nous dī-ˈa-fə-nəs 

1

: characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through

diaphanous fabrics

a diaphanous curtain

2

: characterized by extreme delicacy of form : ethereal

painted diaphanous landscapes

3

: insubstantial, vague

had only a diaphanous hope of success

diaphanously adverb

diaphanousness noun

Did you know?

Can you guess which of the following words come from the same Greek root as diaphanous?

A. epiphany B. fancy C. phenomenon D. sycophant E. emphasis F. phase

The Greek word phainein shows through more clearly in some of our quiz words than others, but it underlies all of them. The groundwork for diaphanous was laid when phainein (meaning "to show") was combined with dia- (meaning "through"). From that pairing came the Greek diaphanēs, parent of the Medieval Latin diaphanus, which is the direct ancestor of our English word.

Synonyms

• transparent
• sheer
• translucent

Examples of diaphanous in a Sentence

the bride wore a diaphanous veil

Recent Examples on the Web

Structured blazers and asymmetric white button-ups were juxtaposed with diaphanous maxi dresses, sculptural resin tops, and flowing trains that danced with movement. —Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Seeing the works in person, one is struck by the elaborate Art Nouveau–style frames that form substantial prosceniums for these diaphanous tableaux. —Elizabeth Mangini, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025

Sure, the diaphanous look isn’t exactly suitable for dropping temps, but its dark palette and witchy energy befit a funeral for summer 2025, and a look ahead to the fall months. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2025

Expect to see tiny, flat-back studs on nude nails, nail art designs done entirely in luxe neutral tones, and sheer textile prints layered over a pale nail that look as delicate and diaphanous as expensive lingerie. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

extension with -ous of Medieval Latin diafanus, diaphanus, borrowed from Greek diaphanḗs "transparent, manifest, conspicuous," adjective derivative from the stem of diaphaínein "to let be seen through," diaphaínesthai "to show through, be seen through," from dia- dia- + phaínein (active voice) "to bring to light, cause to appear," and phaínesthai (middle voice) "to become visible, come to light, appear" — more at fantasy entry 1

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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