opaque

/ou'peik/

Friendly

Explanation of the Word "Opaque"

Definition: The word "opaque" is an adjective that describes something that is not transparent or clear. If something is opaque, you cannot see through it. It can also mean that something is difficult to understand or not expressed clearly.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "opaque" can also refer to concepts in art, literature, or science. For instance, a literary style may be described as opaque if it is difficult for readers to grasp the meaning without careful analysis.

Word Variants:

• Opacity (noun): The quality of being opaque. For example: "The opacity of the glass made it difficult to see inside the room."
• Opaquely (adverb): In an opaque manner. For example: "She spoke opaquely about her feelings, making it hard for us to understand her."

Different Meanings:

1. Literal meaning: Not allowing light to pass through (e.g., opaque materials).
2. Figurative meaning: Not clear or easy to understand (e.g., opaque writing or communication).

Synonyms:

• Impenetrable: Not able to be passed through or understood.
• Obscure: Not clear or hard to understand.
• Cloudy: Not clear (can refer to both physical and metaphorical clarity).

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "opaque," but you might encounter phrases like "opaque reasoning" or "opaque language" in discussions about communication.

Summary:

"Opaque" is a useful word in both physical and figurative contexts. It can describe objects that block light and ideas or messages that are difficult to understand.

Academic

Adjective

1. not clearly understood or expressed
2. not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy; impenetrable to sight
   • opaque windows of the jail
   • opaque to X-rays

Synonyms

• unintelligible