Word: opaque (adjective)

Associations

The word "opaque" means something that you cannot see through. It is used to describe objects or materials that block light or are not clear.

• Example 1: The bathroom window is opaque to give privacy. (You cannot see through it.)
• Example 2: His explanation was opaque, so I didn’t understand it well. (It was unclear or confusing.)
• Example 3: The glass was painted opaque, so no light came in. (No light passes through.)

Synonym: "cloudy" is similar but usually describes something less clear but not completely blocking vision. "Opaque" is stronger, meaning no transparency at all.

Substitution

You can use:

• "non-transparent" when talking about something you cannot see through physically.
• "unclear" or "confusing" when talking about ideas or explanations. Changing the word changes meaning: "opaque" is more formal and specific than "unclear."

Deconstruction

• Root: "opaque" comes from Latin "opacus," meaning shady or dark.
• No prefix or suffix here; it is a simple adjective. It originally described something shaded or dark, which fits the meaning of not letting light through.

Inquiry

• Can you think of something in your home that is opaque? Why is it important for that object to be opaque?
• How would you describe a glass that lets some light through but is not fully clear? Would you use "opaque"?
• Have you ever had an explanation that felt opaque? How did you deal with it?