Opaque vs Opague: When To Use Each One In Writing

If you’re a writer or someone who works with words, you’ve likely come across the words “opaque” and “opague.” While they may sound similar, there is a distinct difference between the two.

The proper word is “opaque,” which means something that is not transparent or translucent, meaning that light cannot pass through it. On the other hand, “opague” is an incorrect spelling of “opaque.”

Throughout the rest of this article, we will explore the various ways in which the word “opaque” is used, its synonyms, and examples of how it can be used in a sentence.

Define Opaque

Opaque is an adjective that describes an object or substance that does not allow light to pass through it. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to see through or understand the object or substance. Opaque materials can be found in various forms, such as opaque glass, paint, or plastic. In the context of language, opaque can also refer to words or phrases that are difficult to understand or interpret, especially due to their complexity or ambiguity.

Define Opague

Opague is not a recognized word in the English language. It is likely a misspelling of the word “opaque,” which is the correct spelling of the term. It is important to use correct spelling in written communication, as misspellings can lead to confusion and a lack of credibility.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the right words is crucial to conveying your message effectively. Two words that are often confused are “opaque” and “opague.” While they may sound similar, they have different meanings and uses in a sentence. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these words properly.

How To Use “Opaque” In A Sentence

The word “opaque” is an adjective that describes something that is not transparent or translucent. It can be used to describe physical objects or abstract concepts. Here are some examples:

• The windows in the conference room are opaque, so no one can see inside.
• The company’s financial statements were opaque, making it difficult to determine their true financial health.
• The politician’s answers to the reporter’s questions were opaque, leaving many people unsure of where they stood on the issue.

As you can see from these examples, “opaque” is used to describe something that is difficult to see through or understand.

How To Use “Opague” In A Sentence

While “opague” may sound like a variation of “opaque,” it is not a real word. There is no definition for “opague” in the English language, so it should not be used in any context.

It’s important to remember that using the wrong word in a sentence can change its meaning entirely. In the case of “opaque” and “opague,” using the incorrect spelling can make your writing appear unprofessional. Always double-check your spelling and usage to ensure that you are communicating your message clearly.

More Examples Of Opaque & Opague Used In Sentences

An essential aspect of understanding the difference between opaque and opague is to see how the words are used in sentences. Here are some examples of how to use opaque and opague in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Opaque In A Sentence

• The window was opaque, and I couldn’t see through it.
• The instructions were written in an opaque language that was difficult to understand.
• The company’s financial records were opaque, making it challenging to determine their profitability.
• The artist used opaque colors to create a bold and vibrant painting.
• The politician’s motives were opaque, and many people were suspicious of his actions.
• The building’s walls were made of opaque glass, providing privacy for the occupants.
• The scientist used an opaque material to block the light from entering the experiment.
• The company’s decision-making process was opaque, and employees felt left out of the loop.
• The writer used opaque language to create a sense of mystery in the story.
• The fog was so thick that it was opaque, and I couldn’t see more than a few feet in front of me.

Examples Of Using Opague In A Sentence

• Unfortunately, the website’s terms and conditions were opague, and I didn’t know what I was agreeing to.
• The speaker’s opague language left the audience confused and unsure of what he meant.
• The company’s opague pricing structure made it difficult for customers to understand how much they were paying.
• The artist used opague colors to create a subtle and muted painting.
• The politician’s opague response to the question raised concerns about his honesty.
• The building’s opague windows provided privacy for the occupants while still allowing natural light to enter.
• The scientist used an opague material to block the radiation from entering the experiment.
• The company’s opague policies and procedures made it challenging for employees to know what was expected of them.
• The writer used opague language to create a sense of ambiguity in the story.
• The water was opague due to the high levels of sediment in the river.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using words, one of the most common mistakes people make is using similar-sounding words interchangeably. One such pair of words is ‘opaque’ and ‘opague’.

Using ‘Opaque’ And ‘Opague’ Interchangeably

Many individuals tend to use ‘opaque’ and ‘opague’ interchangeably, without realizing that they are two different words. ‘Opaque’ is an adjective that means something is not transparent or not allowing light to pass through, whereas ‘opague’ is a misspelling of ‘opaque’ and does not exist in the English language.

The incorrect usage of ‘opague’ instead of ‘opaque’ is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and loss of credibility in both spoken and written communication. It is essential to use the correct word to convey the intended meaning accurately.

Tips To Avoid Confusion

To avoid making this mistake, it is advisable to:

• Double-check the spelling of the word before using it in written communication.
• Use a dictionary or a spell-check tool to verify the correct spelling and meaning of the word.
• Practice using the correct word in sentences to reinforce the correct usage in your mind.

By following these tips, you can avoid making the common mistake of using ‘opague’ instead of ‘opaque’ and improve the accuracy and clarity of your communication.

Context Matters

When it comes to using the words “opaque” and “opague,” context matters. The choice between the two can depend on the specific situation in which they are used. While they may seem interchangeable, their meanings can vary depending on the context.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “opaque” and “opague” might change:

Context	Example	Choice between “opaque” and “opague”
Science	A scientist is studying the properties of a new material.	The scientist would use “opaque” to describe the material’s ability to block light.
Art	An artist is painting a picture with layers of paint.	The artist might use “opague” to describe the thickness of the paint layers and how they obscure the canvas beneath.
Business	A company is discussing its financial reports with investors.	The company might use “opaque” to describe any unclear or secretive aspects of their financial situation.

As you can see, the choice between “opaque” and “opague” can vary depending on the context in which they are used. It’s important to consider the specific situation and the intended meaning when deciding which word to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

Although the rules for using opaque and opague are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions to be aware of. In certain cases, the rules may not apply, and it’s important to understand these exceptions to ensure that your writing is clear and accurate.

Exceptions For Opaque

One exception to the rule for using opaque is when referring to the color of an object. In this case, “opaque” can be used to describe a color that is dense and not transparent. For example:

• The paint had an opaque finish that covered the wall completely.
• The sunglasses had an opaque black frame.

Another exception for using opaque is when referring to language or communication. In this context, “opaque” can be used to describe something that is difficult to understand or interpret. For example:

• The legal contract was written in opaque language that made it hard to decipher.
• The politician’s speech was filled with opaque references that left the audience confused.

Exceptions For Opague

One exception to the rule for using opague is when referring to a specific type of rock. “Opague” is a variant spelling of “ophiolite,” which is a type of rock formation. For example:

• The geologist identified the rock as opague, which is a type of ophiolite formation.

Another exception for using opague is when referring to a person’s name. In this context, “opague” can be used as a surname, although it is a rare and uncommon spelling. For example:

• The author of the book was John Opague, a relatively unknown writer.

By understanding these exceptions, you can use opaque and opague correctly in your writing and avoid any confusion or ambiguity.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of opaque and opague can be a challenging task. However, with the right practice exercises, you can enhance your skills in using these words correctly. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding of these words:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either opaque or opague:

1. The meaning of the message was ___________.
2. The glass was ___________ and I couldn’t see through it.
3. The politician’s motives were ___________.
4. The artist used an ___________ color to create contrast.
5. The company’s financial statements were ___________.

Answer key:

1. opaque
2. opaque
3. opague
4. opaque
5. opaque

Exercise 2: Correct The Sentences

Correct the following sentences by replacing the incorrect word with the correct one:

1. The meaning of the message was opague.
2. The glass was opaque and I could see through it.
3. The politician’s motives were opaque.
4. The artist used a opaque color to create contrast.
5. The company’s financial statements were opague.

Answer key:

1. The meaning of the message was opaque.
2. The glass was opaque and I couldn’t see through it.
3. The politician’s motives were opaque.
4. The artist used an opaque color to create contrast.
5. The company’s financial statements were opaque.

By completing these practice exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of opaque and opague. Remember to pay attention to the context in which these words are used, as this can help you determine the correct spelling and usage.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proper use of language and grammar is essential in effective communication. Throughout this article, we have explored the differences between the commonly confused words “opaque” and “opague”. We have learned that “opaque” refers to something that is not transparent, while “opague” is not a word in the English language.

It is important to note that the misuse of words can lead to misinterpretation and confusion. Therefore, it is crucial to take the time to understand the meanings and proper usage of words.

Key Takeaways:

• “Opaque” means not transparent.
• “Opague” is not a word in the English language.
• Proper use of language and grammar is essential in effective communication.
• Misuse of words can lead to misinterpretation and confusion.

We encourage readers to continue learning about grammar and language use. By expanding your knowledge and understanding, you can improve your communication skills and avoid common mistakes.