Diaphanous — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /dī-ˈa-fə-nəs/ di·aph·a·nous

Meaning & Definition of Diaphanous

Diaphanous (adjective)

  1. characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through
  2. characterized by extreme delicacy of form, ethereal
  3. insubstantial, vague

Diaphanous (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. very thin and easy to see through

    "the bride wore a diaphanous veil"

    similar: cobwebby, filmy, gauzelike, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, see-through, sheer, transparent
    related: peekaboo, clear, crystal, crystalline, limpid, liquid, lucent, pellucid, lucid, translucent, dainty, delicate, flimsy, fragile, frail, insubstantial, unsubstantial, colorless, uncolored
    near: opaque, cloudy, foggy, hazy, misty, murky, nebulous, smoky, drab, dull, lackluster, lusterless

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Diaphanous

The most common words with a similar meaning to Diaphanous:

cobwebby, filmy, gauzelike, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, see-through, sheer, transparent

Related Words for Diaphanous

peekaboo, clear, crystal, crystalline, limpid, liquid, lucent, pellucid, lucid, translucent, dainty, delicate, flimsy, fragile, frail, insubstantial, unsubstantial, colorless, uncolored

Near Antonyms of Diaphanous

opaque, cloudy, foggy, hazy, misty, murky, nebulous, smoky, drab, dull, lackluster, lusterless

Word Forms of Diaphanous

Derived words: diaphanously (adverb), diaphanousness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Diaphanous

extension with -ous of Medieval Latin diafanus, diaphanus, borrowed from Greek diaphanḗs "transparent, manifest, conspicuous," adjective derivative from the stem of diaphaínein "to let be seen through," diaphaínesthai "to show through, be seen through," from dia- dia- + phaínein (active voice) "to bring to light, cause to appear," and phaínesthai (middle voice) "to become visible, come to light, appear" fantasy:1

First known use: 1614

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Diaphanous

Frequently Asked Questions about Diaphanous

What does "Diaphanous" mean?

"Diaphanous" means characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through. As an adjective, it is defined as: characterized by such fineness of texture as to permit seeing through.

What is another word for "Diaphanous"?

Other words for "Diaphanous" include cobwebby, filmy, gauzelike, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, see-through and sheer. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Diaphanous" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Diaphanous"?

There are 28 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Diaphanous". Common alternatives include cobwebby, filmy, gauzelike, gauzy, gossamer, gossamery, see-through, sheer and transparent.

How do you use "Diaphanous" in a sentence?

Examples of "Diaphanous" in a sentence: "the bride wore a diaphanous veil".

Is "Diaphanous" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Diaphanous" is an adjective.

Is "Diaphanous" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Diaphanous" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Diaphanous"?

"Diaphanous" is pronounced /dī-ˈa-fə-nəs/ and divided into syllables as di·aph·a·nous.

What is the origin of the word "Diaphanous"?

"Diaphanous" comes from extension with -ous of Medieval Latin diafanus, diaphanus, borrowed from Greek diaphanḗs "transparent, manifest, conspicuous," adjective derivative from the stem of diaphaínein "to let be seen through," diaphaínesthai "to show through, be seen through," from dia- dia- + phaínein (active voice) "to bring to light, cause to appear," and phaínesthai (middle voice) "to become visible, come to light, appear" fantasy:1. First known use: 1614.