Opaque Meaning in English

word

US

oʊˈpeɪk

oh-PAKE

UK

əʊpˈeɪk

oh-PAKE

Definition

Not letting light pass through; you cannot see through it. Also used to describe something hard to understand or not clear.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in scientific and everyday language for materials (e.g., 'opaque glass'). In a figurative sense, applies to writing or speech that is hard to understand. Common opposites are 'transparent' (can see through) and 'translucent' (lets some light through).

• Spanish: opaco
• Portuguese (BR): opaco
• Portuguese (PT): opaco
• Chinese (Simplified): 不透明的
• Chinese (Traditional): 不透明的
• Hindi: अपारदर्शी
• Arabic: معتم
• Bengali: অস্বচ্ছ - দুর্বোধ্য
• Russian: непрозрачный - непонятный
• Japanese: 不透明 - 分かりにくい
• Vietnamese: không trong suốt - khó hiểu
• Korean: 불투명한 - 이해하기 어려운
• Turkish: opak - anlaşılmaz
• Urdu: غیر شفاف - مبہم
• Indonesian: buram - sulit dipahami

Example Sentences

The bathroom window is opaque for privacy.

basic

The paint made the glass opaque.

basic

Milk is naturally opaque.

basic

His explanation was so opaque that nobody understood.

natural

This document is written in very opaque language.

natural

Sometimes official forms are opaque and confusing.

natural