translucent
Definitions
Allowing light to pass through but scattering it, so objects behind are not clearly visible; semi-transparent
半透明的（让光透过但使其散射，看不清后面的物体）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedtrans- (through) + luc (shine) + -ent (adj.) = 'shining through.' Light passes through a translucent material but gets scattered, so you see brightness without a clear image — frosted glass, a lampshade, thin skin. That scattering is what separates it from transparent, where the image comes through intact.
Root luc still carries 4 more wordsUsage Guide
- Translucent vs transparent: translucent = light gets through but the image is blurred (frosted glass); transparent = you see right through it (clear glass). Don't swap them.
- Translucent vs opaque: opaque blocks light entirely (a brick wall); translucent is the middle ground.
- Common literal uses: translucent glass/plastic/curtains/skin/wings.
- Figurative use is rare; for 'easy to understand' prefer lucid or pellucid.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The bathroom window is made of translucent glass for privacy.
- 2.
Hold the paper up to the lamp and you'll see it's slightly translucent.
- 3.
Her skin was so pale it looked almost translucent.
Easily Confused
translucent vs transparent — the single most confused pair here. Translucent scatters light (you see a glow, not a picture); transparent passes it cleanly (you see straight through). Frosted shower glass is translucent; a clean window is transparent.