transparency etymology

Etymology

The word "transparency" is derived from the Latin words "trans," meaning "through," and "parens," meaning "shining," or "allowing light to pass through."

Meaning

Transparency has two main meanings:

  • Physical transparency: The property of a material that allows light to pass through it without significant scattering or absorption.
  • Figurative transparency: Openness, honesty, or lack of concealment.

Origin

The earliest recorded use of "transparency" in English was in the mid-16th century, to refer to the physical property of a material. The figurative meaning of the word emerged in the early 17th century, during the Enlightenment period, which emphasized the value of openness and transparency in society.

Additional Notes

  • The term "transparency" has broad applications in science, engineering, and everyday life. In science, it refers to the optical properties of materials, such as glass and plastics. In engineering, it refers to the degree to which a system or process can be observed and understood.
  • In the context of government and public administration, transparency refers to the accessibility of information and the willingness of officials to disclose information about their actions and decisions.
  • Transparency is often considered an essential element of democracy, accountability, and public trust.

transparency relate terms

  • transparent

    Etymology Transparent comes from the Latin word transpārēns which is a present ac

  • trans

    Etymology The word trans originates from the Latin prefix trans which means across

  • appear

    Etymology The word appear comes from the Latin verb apparere meaning to become visi

  • foil

    Etymology The word foil originates from the Old French word fuoille which evolved f

  • perspicuity

    Etymology From Late Latin perspicuitās from Latin perspicuus clear evident from

  • clear

    Etymology Originates from Latin clarus meaning bright clear or shining Mea

  • porcelain

    Etymology Old French porcelaine Italian porcellana Latin porcellus piglet Meanin

  • onion

    Etymology The word onion comes from the Latin word unio which means unity or onen

  • icon

    Etymology The word icon comes from the Greek word εἰκών eikōn which means

  • coin

    Etymology The word coin is derived from the Latin word cuneus which means wedge T

  • sidle

    Etymology and Origin The word sidle comes from the Middle English word sidlen which

  • slide

    Etymology The word slide comes from the Old English word slidan or slydan which m

  • clarity

    Etymology Latin claritas brightness clearness From the Proto Indo European root