- Definition
Something opaque blocks light completely, so you can't see through it at all.
A thick layer of white acrylic paint is opaque because it will completely cover a black line drawn on the canvas.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: An opaque color is like a thick coat of paint that completely covers up whatever color was underneath it.
Ask your child: What do you think will happen if you paint this thick color over that one?
Common mix-up: Kids may confuse opaque with translucent, thinking it just means 'not clear.' Opaque means no light gets through at all, while translucent materials let some blurry light pass through.
Examples
- A wooden door is opaque because you cannot see through it to the next room.
- Black construction paper is opaque because it doesn't let light from a flashlight shine through.
- A ceramic mug is opaque; you can't see the liquid inside it from the side.
opaque is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
