Preview（腕試し）

"Transparent" is the adjective used for things (such as regular glass) that you can see through clearly. The meaning of the prefix "trans-" in this case is "through."

What adjective do you think is used for things that are not quite clear but do allow some light to shine through (such as the body of the old Apple iMac computer)?

A. skeleton

B. translucent

C. translate

D. transportation

Quick Glossary （用語辞典）

adjective = 形容詞

prefix = 接頭辞

Explanation （説明）& Examples（例文）

I heard the word skeleton used quite often to describe the body of the iMac computer when Apple first released it.

In English we use the word translucent to describe some material that is not perfectly clear but does allow some light to pass through.

The iMac's unusual translucent body is just one of the many reasons this computer has become so popular.

The three adjectives usually used to describe levels of transparency are:

1. transparent (very clear)

2. translucent (not so clear, but some light passes through)

3. opaque (not clear--light doesn't pass through at all)

Exercises （練習）Vocabulary work.

1. If you want a clear view of the scenery around your house, you probably want windows that are perfectly ____________ .

A. clearly

B. opaque

C. translucent

D. transparent

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2. If, however, you want some light to come into a room but also want some privacy, you would probably want windows that are ____________ .

A. transparent

B. translucent

C. opaque

D. skeleton