What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
opaque
Example
The window was covered with an opaque film to provide privacy. [opaque: adjective]
Example
The meaning of the poem was opaque, and I couldn't understand it. [opaque: adjective]
Example
The company's financial statements were opaque, and it was hard to tell how they were making money. [opaque: adjective]
cloudy
Example
The forecast said it would be cloudy all day. [cloudy: adjective]
Example
The water in the glass was cloudy and had sediment at the bottom. [cloudy: adjective]
Example
The future of the project was still cloudy, and we didn't know if it would be successful. [cloudy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cloudy is more commonly used than opaque in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more versatile. Opaque is less common and is typically used in more specialized contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between opaque and cloudy?
Opaque is generally considered more formal than cloudy, as it is often used in technical or scientific contexts. Cloudy is more informal and can be used in a variety of settings, from casual conversation to professional writing.