What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
diaphanous
Example
The bride wore a diaphanous veil that flowed behind her as she walked down the aisle. [diaphanous: adjective]
Example
The sunlight filtered through the diaphanous curtains, casting a soft glow in the room. [diaphanous: adjective]
sheer
Example
The dancer's sheer skirt swirled around her as she moved across the stage. [sheer: adjective]
Example
The car drove along the sheer cliff, with the ocean waves crashing below. [sheer: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sheer is more commonly used than diaphanous in everyday language. Sheer is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while diaphanous is less common and is typically used to describe fabrics or materials.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between diaphanous and sheer?
Both diaphanous and sheer are considered formal words, but diaphanous has a more refined and elegant connotation, while sheer can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
