C1 adjective Formal

semipelly

/ˌsɛm.iˈpɛl.i/

Describing a substance or material that is partially transparent or translucent, allowing some light to pass through without being perfectly clear. It is often used to characterize textures, liquids, or surfaces that fall between being fully opaque and fully transparent.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The semipelly curtains allowed enough sunlight to brighten the kitchen while still providing privacy from the street.

The partially transparent curtains let light in while keeping the room private.

2

The biologist noted that the organism's semipelly membrane was thin enough to observe the internal vascular system.

The scientist observed that the creature's half-clear skin allowed them to see its insides.

3

I found a semipelly stone on the beach that looks like frosted glass when held up to the lamp.

I found a cloudy, see-through rock on the beach that looks like frosted glass.

Word Family

Noun
semipelliness
Adverb
semipelly
Adjective
semipelly
Related
pellucidity
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Semi' (half) and 'Pelly' (like 'pellucid' or clear)—it is a 'half-clear' material.

Quick Quiz

The artist chose a ________ glaze for the pottery to allow the underlying patterns to show through faintly.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Examples

1

The semipelly curtains allowed enough sunlight to brighten the kitchen while still providing privacy from the street.

everyday

The partially transparent curtains let light in while keeping the room private.

2

The biologist noted that the organism's semipelly membrane was thin enough to observe the internal vascular system.

academic

The scientist observed that the creature's half-clear skin allowed them to see its insides.

3

I found a semipelly stone on the beach that looks like frosted glass when held up to the lamp.

informal

I found a cloudy, see-through rock on the beach that looks like frosted glass.

4

Our latest product line features a semipelly finish, catering to consumers who prefer a subtle, high-end aesthetic over flat colors.

business

Our new products have a translucent finish for customers who like a sophisticated look.

5

The witness described the suspect as wearing a semipelly plastic raincoat that did not fully obscure his clothing.

formal

The witness said the person wore a partially see-through raincoat that showed their clothes underneath.

Word Family

Noun
semipelliness
Adverb
semipelly
Adjective
semipelly
Related
pellucidity

Common Collocations

semipelly surface a surface that is partially see-through
semipelly liquid a fluid that is not entirely clear
semipelly texture a feel or look that is halfway between clear and solid
semipelly appearance a look that allows some light through
semipelly film a thin, cloudy layer of material

Common Phrases

semipelly glow

a soft light shining through a cloudy material

semipelly sheen

a partially clear shine on a surface

semipelly layer

a thin, translucent coating

Often Confused With

semipelly vs pellucid

Pellucid means perfectly clear or transparent, while semipelly implies only partial clarity.

semipelly vs semi-pelagic

Semi-pelagic refers to fish that live near the bottom as well as in mid-waters, unrelated to light transparency.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'semipelly' when you want to describe something that is not quite opaque but also not perfectly clear. It is most appropriate in descriptive writing, art, or technical specifications regarding materials.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'transparent' when they actually mean 'semipelly'; remember that if you cannot see distinct shapes through the material, it is semipelly or translucent.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Semi' (half) and 'Pelly' (like 'pellucid' or clear)—it is a 'half-clear' material.

📖

Word Origin

A modern construction combining the Latin prefix 'semi-' (half) with a variation of the root 'pellucidus' (transparent).

Grammar Patterns

Used primarily as an attributive adjective before a noun. Can be used as a predicative adjective after linking verbs like 'is' or 'appears'.

Quick Quiz

The artist chose a ________ glaze for the pottery to allow the underlying patterns to show through faintly.

Correct!

The correct answer is: a

Related Words

complement

A2

A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.

compound

A2

Describes something that is made of two or more separate parts or elements joined together. It is often used to talk about words, sentences, or chemical substances that have multiple components.

conceive

A2

To form an idea, plan, or concept in the mind. It is also the medical term used to describe when a woman becomes pregnant.

confer

A2

To discuss something with other people in order to reach a decision or exchange ideas. It can also mean to officially give an honor, title, or degree to someone.

conform

A2

To behave according to rules, standards, or what is expected by a group of people. It means to fit in or act in a way that matches others.

consecutive

A2

Following one after another in a continuous series without any breaks. It describes things that happen in a logical order, like numbers (1, 2, 3) or days (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday).

consistency

A2

Consistency is the quality of always acting or behaving in the same way. it also describes how thick or smooth a liquid or substance is.

disclude

B1

Describing a state where someone or something is left out, omitted, or not allowed to participate in a group or activity. It refers to the condition of being kept apart from a whole or a set.

antiformous

B1

Describes a shape or structure that is curved or folded upwards like an arch. It is most often used in geology and geometry to describe a convex surface.

interspect

B1

Describing a person who is thoughtful and focused on their own internal thoughts and feelings. It refers to the act of looking inward to examine one's own emotions and motives rather than focusing on external things.

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