diaphanous
Say it: dy-AF-uh-nus /daɪˈæfənəs/ · adjective
What “diaphanous” means
So thin and delicate that you can almost see through it.
More precisely: Light, delicate and almost see-through.
Example: “Diaphanous curtains let the morning light drift into the bedroom.”
When to use it
For very light, nearly transparent fabric, usually in descriptions of clothes or curtains.
Similar words
sheer, translucent, gauzy
Where it comes from
Greek diaphanēs, 'showing through'.
Quick check
A thin scarf lets you see the outline of your hand through its delicate fabric. How would you describe it?
diaphanous or opaque?
Show the answer
diaphanous
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