If you’re an avid reader or communicator, you’ve probably come across the word “opaque.” Unfortunately, despite using it often, most people assume that they know the “opaque” definition and meaning. But here’s the thing: rather than assume and be in the wrong, take the time to learn “opaque” and the true meaning so that you can confidently use the word in sentences.
“Opaque” is an adjective that means “not letting light through.” The word is used when an object is not letting the light pass through. When something is “opaque,” it also means it is hard to comprehend fully. So use the word to showcase a situation or something hard to understand.
Words like “opaque” can be hard to comprehend since they have more than one meaning. The article will discuss the various opaque meanings, use the word in sentences, highlight the history and etymology, and much more. That will help you better use the word in your writing and speeches. Let’s get into it.
What Is The Definition Of Opaque?
“Opaque” means “hard to understand.” So, for instance, if you have “opaque problems,” it means that you have issues that are hard to understand. So it can be challenging to solve.
If “opaque” means that something is hard to understand, it is mainly used in sentences figuratively. You have to learn how to use the word so that your sentences or conversations can make sense. If you do not know the right way to use the word “opaque” in a sentence, people might not understand what you are trying to say.
Example sentences:
- The students complained that the questions were opaque and could have multiple answers.
- We have difficulty understanding his condition; we only rely on opaque medical procedures.
- Though he was prepared for the interview, he felt that the questions were opaque, and now he is not sure if he will get the job.
The above examples show the best way to use “opaque” to mean that something is difficult to understand. From the sentences, it’s evident that you can use the word in different places provided it fits the context. You’ll also have an easy time communicating while using this phrase. Take time to read and practice the relevant sentences to know how to use the word.
Family Words of the Word Opaque
Opaqueness (noun). “Opaqueness” means “not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy.”
Example sentences:
- She could not see anything since they were traveling through the dense opaqueness of the forest.
- We tried to help the strange man stranded on the road, but we did not know how to do it because of the opaqueness of his response to our questions.
- Samantha had a hard time getting here because of the opaqueness of the road, which was as a result of the heavy rain.
Opaquely (adverb). The word” opaquely” means “in an opaque manner.”
Example sentences:
- This is opaquely written research.
- Stephen had his reasons to quit his job though he opaquely explained them.
- The workers stated opaquely that their issues were not resolved as well as they might be.
Opacity (noun)
The word “opacity,” in terms of the physics definition, means the state in which an object becomes impervious to a certain form of radiation or energy.
Anything with a high degree of opacity will block all forms of radiation and energy from passing through it because it is denser or thicker. Anything with a low degree of opacity will allow forms of radiation and energy to pass through because it is thinner or less dense in comparison.
What Is The Meaning Of Opaque?
The word “opaque” also means “stupid,” “not showing the ability to absorb information readily,” or “unintelligent.” The word is used to refer to someone who is having difficulties learning.”
But note that calling someone “opaque” is a negative word, and it can also be offensive. It can also be used among peers or friends to make fun of someone who is not keeping up with the conversation. So the way you use it will determine the reaction from those you are talking to.
Example sentences:
- Everything they were saying was opaque, so he was not commenting.
- The teachers have difficulty teaching Adam since he is opaque and does not understand any lesson.
- He was about to quit his training because everything seemed opaque, but he was now at the top of his class when he got a tutor.
Did you know that the word “opaque” is also used in photography to describe how an object blocks the light from passing through it? The word “opaque” in photography shows the measure of objects’ impenetrability to electromagnetic radiation. “Opaque” objects are essential when taking pictures as they help in blocking out the light since light can be problematic when taking photos.
How to Use Opaque in a Sentence
There are various ways you can use “opaque” in a sentence, and depending on how you use it, the word can have different meanings.
One thing to note is that each time you use “opaque,” you will be using it as an adjective; the word will need to express an attribute of something or someone. However, this will change if you use the various forms of the word, like opaqueness or opaquely.
The best way to understand how to use “opaque” in a sentence is to read the various sentences. From this, you will not make mistakes or embarrass yourself when using the word in sentences.
10 Examples of Opaque in a Sentence
Have you ever wondered what the best way to use the word ‘opaque’ in sentences is? To better understand opaque usage, let’s look at these ten example sentences.
- The experiment required us to fill the test tubes with an opaque liquid.
- The client was very demanding as he wanted bulletproof windows that could change from opaque to clear.
- Industrial jargon is opaque to her, and that is why she has never taken an interest to learn what her husband does.
- The spy followed the politician to the room and tried to peek through the window, but he could not see anything since everything was opaque.
- The menu required you to add starch in the water until the liquid became opaque.
- Though the lawyer claims to run an honest business, he always has opaque meetings in his office.
- I tried to find out where he was hiding, but the information he gave me was opaque.
- We tried to find the opaque products to use when taking the wedding pictures, but we did not find anything.
- Strangely, the curtain was see-through, yet the company’s policy is that all the dressing room curtains should be opaque so that clients can have privacy when changing.
- Only through reflected light can you see opaque objects.
How Do You Spell Opaque?
The word “opaque” is spelled embracing two sounds \ ō-ˈpāk |
Make sure you know the right way to spell a word. When you misspell a word, it can be difficult for those reading your context to know what you mean. That could result in misinformation and confusion. Get the correct spelling of opaque so as not to confuse your readers.
How Do You Pronounce Opaque?
The word “opaque” is pronounced as oh-pake or ow-payk.
If it is the first time you have come across the word “opaque,” it can be challenging to know the best way to pronounce it. The word “opaque” has the same sounds as “partake,” “steak,” and “ache.” The first part, “o,” is pronounced as “oh,” the second part “pa” is pronounced as “pe,” and the last part “que” is pronounced as “k.”
Opaque Synonym
- Shady
- Blurred
- Frosty
- Gloomy
- Dark
Opaque Antonym
- Clear
- Light
- Sunny
- Bright
- Lucid
How Many Syllables Are In Opaque?
The word opaque has two syllables which are o-paque. The stressed syllable in the word “opaque” is the “-paque”
History & Etymology of Opaque
The word opaque originated from Latin and not Greek. Most people hardly relate “opaque” to Latin due to the nature of the word. The French then adapted the word before it was adapted into English.
In Latin, the word “opaque” means “dark,” When the word was first introduced to English, which was also its original meaning. However, as the English language evolved, so did the word. Now the word “opaque” means “not transparent.” or “hard to understand.”
When Was Opaque First Used?
The word “opaque” was first introduced in 1641.
Conclusion
You might sometimes doubt any benefit you will get when you learn a new word. The truth is that taking the time to learn new words is the best way to improve your vocabulary. It also helps you communicate more clearly without using many words. Luckily, with us, learning a new word does not have to be a challenge; you can choose to learn just one word every day.
The word “opaque” has various meanings and can be used in various ways, as highlighted above. Practice the sentence samples to incorporate the word in your communications easily. Do you have any questions about the word “opaque?” Let us know so that we can help you better understand the word.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.