semi-transparent

semi-transparent — adjective

1. describes a material or surface that allows some light to pass through, but is n

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

describes a material or surface that allows some light to pass through, but is not clear enough for you to see objects on the other side distinctly — for example, frosted bathroom glass or lightweight curtain fabric.

Example

The bathroom window is made of semi-transparent glass that lets in light but hides the shapes inside.

semi-transparent + material noun (glass) — describes a building material

Abigail hung semi-transparent curtains in the living room to soften the afternoon sun.

semi-transparent + curtain — common household use

Common collocations
  • semi-transparent glass
  • semi-transparent curtain
  • semi-transparent panel
  • semi-transparent fabric
  • semi-transparent film
  • semi-transparent layer
Synonyms
  • translucent

    similar meaning but more formal or technical; often used in scientific and design contexts

  • frosted

    specifically refers to glass that has been treated to become semi-transparent

  • see-through

    informal; can mean either fully or partly transparent depending on context

Antonyms
  • transparent

    completely clear; you can see through it with no blurring

  • opaque

    blocks all light; you cannot see through it at all

Grammar Patterns

semi-transparent + noun

Usage Note

Common in descriptions of household and architectural materials — glass, curtains, panels, screens, and plastic sheeting — where soft light is desired but full visibility is not needed.

Common Mistakes

I need semi-transparent glasses so I can see the menu clearly.
I need clear glasses so I can see the menu clearly.
Semi-transparent means partially see-through; if you want to read clearly, use 'clear' or 'transparent.'

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All three words describe materials that let some light through. 'Translucent' is the broadest and most formal term — it covers any surface that diffuses light so objects behind are unclear, from wax paper to etched glass. 'Frosted' is a narrower term referring specifically to glass that has been chemically or mechanically treated to become semi-transparent; you would say 'a frosted bathroom window' but not 'a frosted lampshade' (unless the shade is actually made of treated glass). 'See-through' is informal and less precise — it can mean either fully or partly transparent depending on context ('a see-through blouse' usually suggests nearly transparent). 'Semi-transparent' sits between them: it is specific enough for everyday product descriptions yet neutral in tone. For example, a department store label might read 'semi-transparent storage boxes' in its catalogue, while a designer would call the same boxes 'translucent.'

translucent ↗frosted ↗see-through

Common collocations

Nouns

Etymology

LatinEnglish

The word joins the prefix 'semi-' (from Latin 'semi-' meaning 'half') with 'transparent' (from Latin 'transparere' — 'trans-' meaning 'through' plus 'parere' meaning 'to appear or be visible'). So 'semi-transparent' literally means 'half-see-through.' The hyphen is commonly retained to make the compound easier to read, though the unhyphenated spelling 'semittransparent' also appears in modern texts.

First known use

1731

1731, in the meaning defined above