transparency

noun

trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈper-ən(t)-sē 

plural transparencies

1

: the quality or state of being transparent

2

: something transparent

especially : a picture (as on film) viewed by light shining through it or by projection

Synonyms

• clarity
• clearness
• limpidity
• limpidness
• lucency
• translucence
• translucency

Examples of transparency in a Sentence

the transparency of a piece of glass

the transparency of their motives

He says that there needs to be more transparency in the way the government operates.

The professor used transparencies and an overhead projector during her lectures.

Recent Examples on the Web

Stateside, during the 2024 legislative session, at least 40 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington have introduced AI bills, ranging in focus on content related to elections, child pornography and other criminal uses, usage for health care decisions, and transparency of data usage. —John Kell, Fortune, 2 May 2024

Outside observers sometimes justify their skepticism by pointing to the lack of transparency as to how officials compile certain datasets or decide to suspend certain data points, like youth unemployment, if trends start to look embarrassing. —Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 2 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

transparency

noun

trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈpar-ən-sē 

-ˈper-

plural transparencies

1

: the quality or state of being transparent

2

: a picture or design on glass, thin cloth, paper, or film viewed by shining light through it or by projection

Medical Definition

transparency

noun

trans·​par·​en·​cy tran(t)s-ˈpar-ən-sē 

plural transparencies

: the quality or state of being transparent