transparent

/træntˈspɛrənt/

/trænsˈpærɪnt/

You can see right through something transparent. A window is transparent — unless it's really, really dirty. Time to break out some soap!

Obviously the glass of a window is transparent, but transparent can also describe something that is clearly understood and lacks any deception or secrecy. Reporters use it these days to describe the ideal way for government to develop policy, where voters can see the process and how decisions are achieved. Some in government, however, would argue that the leaking of top-secret information takes transparency a step too far.

Definitions of transparent

1. adjective

   transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity
   “transparent crystal”

   synonyms: crystal clear, crystalline, limpid, lucid, pellucid

   clear

   allowing light to pass through
2. adjective

   so thin as to transmit light
   “transparent chiffon”

   synonyms: cobwebby, diaphanous, filmy, gauze-like, gauzy, gossamer, see-through, sheer, vaporous, vapourous

   thin

   of relatively small extent from one surface to the opposite or in cross section
3. adjective

   easily understood or seen through (because of a lack of subtlety)
   “a transparent explanation”

   “a transparent lie”

   synonyms:

   obvious

   easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind
4. adjective

   free of deceit
   synonyms: guileless

   square, straight

   characterized by honesty and fairness