These words refer to materials that obstruct total or perfect vision but through which light can penetrate. Translucent may refer either to something that permits an imperfect view or to something that merely allows the passage of light with little or no view possible: the translucent silver of the creek through which the pebbled bottom could be seen; partitions made of translucent panes of frosted glass to give the occupants of each cubicle privacy. Blurred , by contrast, usually specifically indicates a particular point between a near-perfect view and none. This would be that point at which figures or images could be seen hazily or, possibly, distortedly through the refracting medium: wiping his hand across the blurred windscreen. In metaphorical uses, the word emphasizes distortion or lack of soundness: a deliberately blurred treatment of the issues.

The remaining words all suggest vision that is blurred because of thin intervening layers or tissues, whether spread evenly or in distorting folds. Diaphanous indicates the least obstruction, suggesting an extremely thin or delicate gathering of folds: a formal dress with a diaphanous outer sheath of organdy; diaphanous wisps of clouds that did nothing to mask the full force of the sun. Filmy suggests a greater obstruction of vision than diaphanous , but may apply to either an even layer or a gathering of folds: a filmy glaze of condensation on the cold glass. When the word refers to cloth, it resembles diaphanous but is less formal: stitching together yards of filmy chiffon. With veiled , the emphasis is on a greater obstruction of vision than diaphanous or filmy , with particular reference to a cloth designed for partial concealment, as of the face: thick clouds that veiled the sun. In metaphorical uses, a deliberate partial disguise may be implied: a veiled hint.