Which characteristic describes materials that allow some light to pass, but objects cannot be distinctly seen?

The characteristic of materials that allow some light to pass through but do not allow objects to be distinctly seen is known as translucency. Translucent materials, such as frosted glass or certain types of plastics, scatter the light that passes through them, creating a blurred image of objects behind them. This scattering effect means that while light can penetrate the material, it does not convey a clear or distinct view of whatever is on the other side.

In contrast, opaque materials completely block light and do not allow any light to pass through, thus making it impossible to see through them. Transparent materials, on the other hand, allow light to pass through without significant scattering, permitting a clear view of objects beyond the material. Reflective surfaces are characterized by their ability to bounce light off, which does not pertain to their transparency or translucency.