show-through: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “show-through” mean?
The property or defect of printed or written material (especially thin paper) where the text or image on one side is visible from the opposite side.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The property or defect of printed or written material (especially thin paper) where the text or image on one side is visible from the opposite side.
Any undesirable visibility of underlying material or content, extending metaphorically to situations where hidden information, intentions, or failures become apparent. In computing, it can refer to digital artifacts where background content is visible through a foreground layer.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The term is technical and identical in both varieties. Potential minor spelling preference for the hyphenated form in formal UK publishing vs. potential solid or open compound ('showthrough', 'show through' as a noun) in US, but 'show-through' remains standard in both.
Connotations
Neutral-negative, indicating a flaw or undesirable quality in material. No regional connotative difference.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist contexts (printing, paper manufacturing, graphic design, packaging).
Grammar
How to Use “show-through” in a Sentence
The [paper/napkin] exhibits significant show-through.We need to minimise show-through in the [brochure/manual].The show-through from the [previous page/backing] is distracting.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “show-through” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cheap paper caused the ink to show through.
- Her true feelings began to show through her professional demeanour.
American English
- The marker shows through this thin poster board.
- His fatigue showed through during the long meeting.
adverb
British English
- None. The term does not function as an adverb.
American English
- None. The term does not function as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- We rejected the batch due to a severe show-through defect.
- The show-through test results were unsatisfactory.
American English
- Look for paper with a low show-through rating.
- The show-through issue made the document hard to read.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in procurement of office supplies, printing services, or product packaging specifications to ensure quality.
Academic
Used in material science, graphic arts, or library conservation studies describing paper quality and degradation.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used when complaining about poor-quality notepaper or a badly printed restaurant menu.
Technical
Standard term in printing, paper manufacturing, and graphic design. Also used in software UI/UX design for layer transparency issues.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “show-through”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “show-through”
- Using 'show-through' as a verb (e.g., 'The ink show-throughs'). It's a noun.
- Confusing it with 'showthrough' as one word, which is less standard.
- Misspelling as 'throw-through'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are closely related. 'Show-through' generally refers to the visibility of print from the reverse side under normal light. 'Bleed-through' often implies ink has physically penetrated the paper, making the mark more pronounced. In many practical contexts, they are used interchangeably.
It's quite specific. In everyday talk, you'd more likely say 'You can see the writing from the other side' or 'This paper is see-through.' 'Show-through' is best saved for discussions about printing, paper, or design.
The key opposite quality is 'opacity'. High-opacity paper has low show-through. You might also say the paper is 'non-transparent', 'solid', or 'opaque'.
In formal and technical writing, especially when used as a noun or compound adjective, the hyphen is standard and recommended (show-through) to avoid ambiguity. In less formal contexts, you might see it as one word (showthrough).
The property or defect of printed or written material (especially thin paper) where the text or image on one side is visible from the opposite side.
Show-through is usually formal/technical in register.
Show-through: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃəʊ θruː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃoʊ θruː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. The related phrasal verb 'show through' can be used idiomatically (e.g., 'His nervousness showed through his confident facade').”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine trying to SHOW a friend a THROUGH-and-through hole in a piece of paper – the content on the other side is visible.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE PAST/INTERIOR IS VISIBLE (The underlying or hidden layer manifests itself to the observer).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'show-through' most appropriately used?