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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner
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diaphanous

IPA:

How to pronounce diaphanous (audio)

Dictionary definition of diaphanous

Lightweight, delicate, and almost transparent, allowing light to pass through it easily.
"She wore a diaphanous dress that flowed in the breeze."

Detailed meaning of diaphanous

It suggests a quality of sheer, see-through texture, often associated with fabrics, such as silk or chiffon. The term "diaphanous" can also refer to a quality of transparency or clarity, such as in reference to air or water. Overall, the adjective "diaphanous" conveys a sense of ethereal beauty and fragility, implying that something is almost too delicate to touch or handle. It is often used to describe objects or materials that are delicate or refined, such as curtains or garments, but can also be applied to abstract concepts, such as emotions or thoughts.

Example sentences containing diaphanous

1. The sunlight filtered through the diaphanous curtains, casting a warm glow in the room.
2. The wings of the butterfly were delicate and diaphanous.
3. The diaphanous fabric of the veil created an ethereal effect.
4. The water in the river was crystal clear and diaphanous.
5. The diaphanous clouds in the sky seemed to float effortlessly.
6. The dancer wore a diaphanous scarf that billowed as she moved.

History and etymology of diaphanous

The adjective 'diaphanous' has its roots in Greek, stemming from the word 'diaphanes,' which is a combination of 'dia,' meaning 'through,' and 'phaino,' meaning 'to show' or 'to appear.' Therefore, 'diaphanous' etymologically conveys the idea of something that allows light to pass through it easily, making it appear almost transparent. This term describes objects or materials that are lightweight, delicate, and characterized by their sheer and translucent quality, as they seem to reveal what lies beyond them. The etymology of 'diaphanous' underscores the notion of clarity and the ability to see through, emphasizing the beauty and delicacy of objects that possess this quality.

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Further usage examples of diaphanous

1. The diaphanous petals of the flower were almost translucent.
2. The bride's veil was made of diaphanous tulle.
3. The diaphanous gossamer of the spider's web was barely visible.
4. The diaphanous mist hung over the mountain valley, creating an eerie atmosphere.
5. The diaphanous wings of the dragonfly shimmered in the sunlight.
6. Her diaphanous dress, woven from the finest silk, flowed gracefully as she moved, a vision of elegance and grace.
7. The diaphanous curtains, delicate as a whisper, allowed the soft, golden sunlight to filter into the room, casting a warm glow.
8. Walking down the aisle, the bride's diaphanous veil, adorned with intricate lacework, added an air of timeless beauty to her ensemble.
9. The artist captured the fleeting moment when the diaphanous rainbow arched across the sky, a shimmering spectacle of color.
10. Amidst the lush garden, the diaphanous wings of the butterfly were like works of art, painted by nature's hand.
11. She wrapped herself in a diaphanous scarf, its pastel hues and delicate fabric adding a touch of sophistication to her attire.
12. The moonlight filtered through the diaphanous clouds, creating an enchanting play of shadows on the ground.
13. The petals of the flower, almost diaphanous in their translucence, seemed to glow from within, radiating a subtle beauty.
14. As the dancer twirled, the layers of her diaphanous costume swirled like a gentle breeze, creating a mesmerizing display of grace.
15. In the early morning mist, the diaphanous tendrils of fog clung to the landscape, imbuing it with an ethereal quality.
16. The diaphanous drapes, adorned with intricate patterns, added an element of opulence to the room's decor.
17. The spider's web, with its diaphanous threads glistening with dewdrops, was a marvel of natural engineering.
18. Her diaphanous voice, rich with emotion, filled the room with a hauntingly beautiful melody.
19. The dragonflies, with their diaphanous wings glinting in the sunlight, danced over the surface of the pond.
20. The forest had an almost diaphanous quality at dawn, as the first rays of sunlight pierced the misty veil.
21. Relaxing in the hammock, she enjoyed the sensation of the diaphanous fabric gently swaying, cradling her in comfort.
22. The diaphanous glow of dawn, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, heralded the promise of a new day.
23. The diaphanous beauty of the moment was captured in a photograph, preserving it as a timeless memory.
24. As the diaphanous waves lapped at the shore, the beach took on a dreamlike quality under the moon's watchful gaze.
25. The diaphanous wings of the fireflies, aglow with bioluminescence, illuminated the summer night with their enchanting dance.

SAT 11 (Scholastic Assessment Test), Optical Phenomena and Radiance, Materials and Substances

delicate,ethereal,gossamer,translucent

airy,filmy,floaty,gauzy,lightweight

sheer, opaque, thick, solid

eb68db_a8c95bade72f49b2baada2d827054952.mp3

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