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nontransparent, transparent, clear, see-through
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ambiguous,indistinguishable,obscure,vague
Optical Phenomena and Radiance, Middle School 2, Light and Visibility
opaque
IPA
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Dictionary definition of opaque
Not transparent or clear, therefore not allowing light to pass through or permitting easy visibility of what is on the other side.
"The curtains were made of an opaque material, providing complete privacy."
Detailed meaning of opaque
Opaque objects are often described as being dense, thick or solid. In a metaphorical sense, opaque can also refer to something that is difficult to understand or comprehend, such as a concept or a person's intentions. An opaque statement, for example, might be one that is intentionally vague or misleading. The opposite of opaque is transparent, which means that something is easily seen through or understood. Opaque is a commonly used word in a variety of fields, including science, art, and business. In science, opaque materials are often used in experiments to block out external light sources, while in art, opaque paints and pigments are used to create dense and solid colors. In business, opaque practices or policies might be seen as a red flag, indicating a lack of transparency or openness.
Example sentences of opaque
1. The glass was opaque, so I couldn't see through it.
2. The meaning of the poem was opaque, and I struggled to understand it.
3. The scientist used an opaque barrier to block out external light sources during the experiment.
4. The company's financial statements were opaque, raising suspicions among investors.
5. The paint was too opaque, and I had to add some water to make it more transparent.
6. The politician's motives were opaque, and people were unsure of his intentions.
History and etymology of opaque
The adjective 'opaque' has its etymological origins in Latin, specifically from the word 'opaquus,' which means 'dark,' 'obscure,' or 'shaded.' This Latin term, in turn, is linked to 'ob-' (meaning 'against') and 'paco' (meaning 'to fasten' or 'to make compact'), suggesting a sense of something that is tightly closed or not allowing light to pass through. Consequently, 'opaque' has come to signify an object or substance that is not transparent or clear, thereby preventing the passage of light and hindering easy visibility of what lies on the other side. Its etymology underscores the idea of obstructed clarity, making it an apt term for describing materials or barriers that obscure or conceal what lies beyond them.
Further usage examples of opaque
1. The fog was so thick that it was almost opaque, making it difficult to see.
2. The artist used an opaque white paint to create a bold contrast with the darker colors.
3. The company's communication strategy was opaque, leading to confusion among employees.
4. The makeup had an opaque finish, hiding all imperfections on the skin.
5. The water in the river was opaque due to the sediment stirred up by the recent rain.
6. Drawing the opaque curtain shut, she blocked out all sunlight, creating a cocoon of darkness in her room.
7. Despite her cheerful demeanor, her true emotions remained opaque to those around her, hidden beneath a veneer of smiles.
8. The conference room's windows were covered with a layer of opaque film to ensure privacy during sensitive meetings.
9. In the depths of winter, the pond's surface became frozen and opaque, concealing the mysteries of the world beneath.
10. His intentions remained frustratingly opaque, leaving us all in a state of uncertainty and confusion.
11. The poem's meaning was intentionally opaque, inviting readers to delve into its layers of symbolism and interpretation.
12. The jar's opaque lid concealed its contents, adding an element of intrigue to the kitchen shelves.
13. As the temperatures dropped, the car's windshield became opaque with frost, requiring a defrosting before driving.
14. Over time, the water in the vase turned opaque as the once-clear liquid filled with sediment.
15. To maintain privacy, the building's windows were coated with an opaque paint that prevented outsiders from peering in.
16. The reasons for his sudden departure remained opaque, leaving his colleagues perplexed and curious.
17. Thick cloud cover blanketed the sky, rendering it almost entirely opaque, with only faint traces of sunlight breaking through.
18. The artist skillfully used opaque colors to create contrast and depth in the painting, giving it a unique visual texture.
19. The dense fog that rolled in from the sea rendered the entire landscape completely opaque, obscuring everything in a ghostly shroud.
20. The corporation's financial statements were intentionally opaque, raising suspicions about its financial health.
21. She donned sunglasses with opaque lenses to shield her eyes from the harsh glare of the sun and maintain her privacy.
22. The mystery novel's plot was intentionally opaque, filled with twists and turns that kept readers guessing until the very end.
23. The room's opaque walls hid its interior, leaving curious onlookers to wonder about the activities within.
24. The door's opaque glass obscured the view into the office, ensuring that the work within remained confidential.
25. The artist carefully applied an opaque layer of paint to the canvas, building up the composition with rich, textured colors.
