diaphanous
UK: daɪˈæfənəs | US: daɪˈæfənəs
adj. (of fabric) light, delicate, and translucent
adj. (figuratively) vague or insubstantial
The word "diaphanous" originates from Greek diaphanes ("transparent"), combining dia- ("through") and phainein ("to show"). The morpheme dia- implies permeability, while phan- relates to visibility or appearance. Over time, the term evolved in Late Latin (diaphanus) and Middle French (diaphane) before entering English in the 17th century, retaining its core sense of "allowing light to pass through." The suffix -ous standardizes it as an adjective. The word’s logic reflects a literal→figurative shift: from describing sheer fabrics to abstract qualities like vagueness.
She wore a diaphanous gown that shimmered in the sunlight.
The artist captured the diaphanous quality of morning mist.
His argument was diaphanous, lacking solid evidence.
The curtains were made of diaphanous silk, softening the room’s glare.
A diaphanous veil floated behind her as she walked.