opaqueness

/ou'peiknis/

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Word: Opaqueness

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Opaqueness is the quality of being opaque, which means that something does not allow light to pass through it. Imagine a window that is so dirty or covered that you can't see through it—that’s an example of opaqueness. Additionally, it can refer to something that is difficult to understand, like a complex idea or text that is not clear.

Usage Instructions:

• When to use "opaqueness": You can use "opaqueness" when you are describing physical objects that cannot be seen through, like a wall or a foggy window. It can also be used in discussions about ideas or language that are not easy to grasp.

Examples:

1. Physical Meaning: "The opaqueness of the glass made it impossible to see what was happening inside the room."
2. Abstract Meaning: "The opaqueness of the legal document confused everyone trying to understand the terms."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "opaqueness" can be used in discussions about literature or philosophy. For example: "The opaqueness of the philosopher's argument left many readers puzzled."

Word Variants:

• Opaque (adjective): Not able to be seen through; not transparent.
  • Example: "The opaque curtain blocked all the sunlight."
• Opacity (noun): The state of being opaque; the quality of being difficult to see through.
  • Example: "The opacity of the material made it perfect for privacy."

Different Meanings:

• Physical Opaqueness: Refers to how much light can pass through an object.
• Abstract Opaqueness: Refers to how clear or understandable something is, such as writing or speech.

Synonyms:

1. Impenetrability
2. Obscurity
3. Cloudiness (in a metaphorical sense when discussing ideas)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Cloudy judgment": This phrase is used when someone's thinking is unclear or confused, similar to how opaqueness can make things hard to see.
• "In the dark": This idiom refers to being uninformed or unaware about something, which connects to the idea of opaqueness in understanding.

Academic

Noun

1. the quality of being opaque to a degree; the degree to which something reduces the passage of light
2. incomprehensibility resulting from obscurity of meaning

Synonyms

• opacity