adjective
diaphanous
dy-AF-uh-nus/daɪˈæfənəs/
Light and delicate enough to let light through.
Sunlight filters through the diaphanous curtains beside the kitchen table.
Etymology
The image is of something appearing through a material. Diaphanous fabric lets enough light through for what lies behind it to remain visible, giving the word its sense of delicate near-transparency.
In context
There was a diaphanous, lilac mist on the lake, shrouding the island. Through it the two enormous pine-trees that clasped hands over Barney’s shack loomed out like dark turrets.
More examples
- Her diaphanous scarf reveals the pattern of her blouse beneath it.
- The moth's diaphanous wings glow in the afternoon light.
- A diaphanous veil softens the outlines of her face.
Forms
diaphanous
Similar words
- sheer
- Usually describes very thin fabric that reveals what lies beneath.
- translucent
- Emphasizes light passing through, without necessarily suggesting delicacy or lightness.
- gauzy
- Suggests a loose, gauzelike texture rather than translucence alone.