Words / C2

dy-AF-uh-n-uh-s/daɪˈæfənəs/

Diaphanous means light, delicate, and almost transparent, of fabric; also, figuratively, insubstantial: diaphanous silk, a diaphanous argument. Thin (already in the dictionary) is everyday not-thick; opaque (already in the dictionary) is not see-through, or hard to understand — the opposite flavour. Sheer (already in the dictionary) is used for complete, unmixed emphasis, not for fabric. A see-through slogan is not a named first-aider.

Meaning

Light, delicate, and almost transparent, of fabric; also insubstantial.

Examples

• “A diaphanous slogan about “care” is not a named first-aider.”
• “Thin is everyday (already in A1). Opaque is not see-through (already in C2) — the contrast. Sheer is complete, unmixed (already in C1) — the mix-up. Plain speech can still be exact. A gauze of adjectives that never names the post is branding. Write the rota; then the fabric.”

Good to know

Sheer; insubstantial. Everyday: thin (already in this dictionary). Contrast: opaque (already in C2). Mix-up: sheer (emphasis — already in C1). Gauze ≠ a first-aider.

Near in meaning

sheer, gossamer, translucent, insubstantial

New