Translucent vs. Transparent 

"Translucent" vs. "Transparent" in English

What Is Their Main Difference?

They both describe how clear an object is. However, an object through which most of the light comes and we can see clearly what is on the other side is called 'transparent', whereas, 'translucent' refers to an item through which we can see what lies on the other side, but not clearly.

Differences

When an object is 'transparent', we can clearly see what lies on the other side of it, while, 'translucent' describes an object through which we can see what is lying on the other side, but not clearly. Look at the examples below:

Example

Do you think this glass is transparent?

That elevator is translucent.

Similarities

Both describe an object through which we can see what is lying on the other side. Check out the following examples:

Example

The water here is transparent.

Vegetable oil goes under the category of translucent objects.

Are They Interchangeable?

Since they have slight differences in their meanings, they cannot be used interchangeably. Both examples below are correct, but they have different meanings. Compare:

Example

✓ Name some common transparent objects in this room.

✓ Name some common translucent objects in this room.

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