Commonly Confused Word Pairs: Transparent/translucent/opaque

April 2, 2009: Issue 283

If something is transparent, light passes right through it. Objects on the other side are clearly visible.

If something is translucent, some light passes through. Objects on the other side are partially visible but not necessarily discernible.

If something is opaque, it blocks light. Objects on the other side are not visible.

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