The difference between Diaphanous and Sheer

When used as adjectives, diaphanous means transparent or translucent, whereas sheer means very thin or transparent.

Sheer is also noun with the meaning: a sheer curtain or fabric.

Sheer is also adverb with the meaning: clean.

Sheer is also verb with the meaning: to swerve from a course.

check bellow for the other definitions of Diaphanous and Sheer

Diaphanous as an adjective:

Transparent or translucent; allowing light to pass through; capable of being seen through.
Diaphanous as an adjective:

Of a fine, almost transparent, texture; gossamer; light and insubstantial.
Diaphanous as an adjective (physics):

Isorefractive, having an identical refractive index.

Sheer as an adjective (textiles):

Very thin or transparent.

Examples:

"Her light, sheer dress caught everyone’s attention."
Sheer as an adjective (obsolete):

Pure in composition; unmixed; unadulterated.
Sheer as an adjective (by extension):

Downright; complete; pure.

Examples:

"I think it is sheer genius to invent such a thing."

"This poem is sheer nonsense."

"Through technological wizardry and sheer audacity, Google has shown how we can transform the intellectual riches of our libraries...."
Sheer as an adjective:

Examples:

"The army's sheer size made it impossible to resist."
Sheer as an adjective:

Very steep; almost vertical or perpendicular.

Examples:

"It was a sheer drop of 180 feet."

Sheer as an adverb (archaic):

Clean; quite; at once.

Examples:

"rfquotek Milton"

Sheer as a noun:

A sheer curtain or fabric.

Examples:

"Use sheers to maximize natural light."

Sheer as a noun (nautical):

The curve of the main deck or gunwale from bow to stern.
Sheer as a noun (nautical):

An abrupt swerve from the course of a ship.

Sheer as a verb (chiefly, nautical):

To swerve from a course.

Examples:

"A horse sheers at a bicycle."
Sheer as a verb (obsolete):

To shear.

Examples:

"rfquotek Dryden"