diaphanous

adjective

di·aph·a·nous dī-ˈa-fə-nəs

Synonyms of diaphanous next

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

diaphanous fabrics

a diaphanous curtain

: characterized by extreme delicacy of form : ethereal

painted diaphanous landscapes

: 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.

Examples of diaphanous in a Sentence

the bride wore a diaphanous veil

Recent Examples on the Web Robbie’s feet doubtless benefitted from a cool breeze even if those diaphanous babies were swiftly removed beneath the dinner table. —

Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 18 July 2024 The museum is located in the 16th arrondissement, and its primary exhibition currently features Saint Laurent’s sheer and diaphanous womenswear. —

Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 July 2024 There has also been an airy lightness to many of the shows, with multiple layers of diaphanous garments in looks that had graceful, fluid movement in Dries Van Noten, Homme Plissé Issey Miyake and so many others. —

Rhonda Richford, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019 The actor, who stars as Kate, Viscountess of Bridgerton, in the series, arrived at the season 3, part 2 premiere in London on June 12 in a diaphanous Del Core dress in a subtle peach hue which matched her strappy stilettos. —

Sam Reed, Glamour, 13 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for diaphanous

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diaphanous.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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