clear
clear
Pronunciation
Clear: /klɪər/
Syllable 1: /klɪər/
/k/: Voiceless velar stop
/l/: Voiced alveolar lateral approximant
/ɪə/: Near-close near-front unrounded vowel followed by a schwa, forming a diphthong
/r/: Voiced alveolar approximant
Word Form Variations
Adjective: clear, clearer, clearest
Verb: clear, clears, cleared, clearing
Adverb: clearly
Noun: clear (less common, often in specific phrases like "in the clear")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Easily seen through or transparent; free from cloudiness or obstruction.
Synonyms: transparent, lucid, pellucid, unclouded
Antonyms: opaque, cloudy, murky, obscure
Example: The water in the spring was so clear that you could see the pebbles at the bottom.
Easy to understand or perceive; distinct and unambiguous.
Synonyms: explicit, distinct, precise, unambiguous, coherent
Antonyms: vague, ambiguous, obscure, muddled, confusing
Example: Her instructions were clear and concise, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
Free from doubt, guilt, or charges.
Synonyms: innocent, blameless, unburdened, unimpeachable
Antonyms: guilty, culpable, liable, implicated
Example: After a thorough investigation, he was found clear of all accusations.
Free from obstacles or impediments; unobstructed.
Synonyms: unimpeded, unblocked, open, accessible
Antonyms: obstructed, blocked, hindered, encumbered
Example: The path ahead was clear, allowing them to proceed without delay.
Verb
To remove obstacles, unwanted elements, or obstructions from something.
Synonyms: remove, rid, eliminate, clean, empty
Antonyms: obstruct, block, clutter, fill
Example: Please clear the table after dinner.
To become free from cloudiness, obstruction, or confusion.
Synonyms: lighten, brighten, dissipate, resolve
Antonyms: darken, cloud, obscure, confuse
Example: The fog began to clear by mid-morning.
To gain approval or authorization; to be approved.
Synonyms: approve, authorize, permit, sanction
Antonyms: reject, deny, refuse, veto
Example: The new project needs to clear with the board before we can begin.
To pass over, under, or through something without touching.
Synonyms: jump, leap, vault, surmount
Antonyms: hit, strike, collide with, snag
Example: The horse easily cleared the fence.
Adverb
In a clear manner; plainly or distinctly. (Often used in conjunction with verbs of speaking or seeing)
Synonyms: distinctly, plainly, audibly, visibly, precisely
Antonyms: indistinctly, vaguely, faintly, unclearly
Example: She spoke clearly so everyone could hear.
Noun
A clear or open space. (Less common as a standalone noun, more in phrases)
Synonyms: opening, gap, expanse, void
Antonyms: obstruction, blockage, clutter, crowd
Example: We finally reached a clear in the forest.
The state of being free from blame, difficulty, or debt. (Used in phrases like "in the clear")
Synonyms: freedom, exoneration, acquittal, safety
Antonyms: guilt, blame, liability, danger
Example: After they found the real culprit, he was in the clear
Examples of Use
Books:
"The air was clear and cold, and the stars shone with a hard, gemlike brilliance." (From The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, September 1937)
"It was not yet clear whether the new policy would have the desired effect on the economy." (From Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty, August 2013)
Newspapers:
"The forecast indicates clear skies for the weekend, perfect for outdoor activities." (Reported in The New York Times)
"Investigators are working to clear up inconsistencies in the witness testimonies." (The Guardian)
Online Publications:
"How to Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies for Improved Performance." (PCMag.com)
"The company made it clear that remote work options would be expanded in the coming year." (TechCrunch)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film Dialogue: "We need to get this evidence clear of the scene before anyone sees it." (From the screenplay of No Time to Die, September 2021)
Song Lyrics: "I can see clear now the rain is gone." (From "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash, July 1972)
Video Game Instruction: "Objective: Clear the area of hostile forces." (Displayed in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, November 2023)
TV Show Narration: "The path ahead was finally clear for the expedition to continue." (From Planet Earth III, November 2023)
General Public Discourse:
"Could you please speak up? I can't hear you clear enough." (Common everyday conversation)
"Let's make sure we're clear on the details before we proceed." (Used in a business meeting)
"The doctor said my X-ray was clear, which is a relief." (Personal anecdote shared among friends)
10 Quotes Using Clear
"If you want a thing done well, do it yourself." (Napoleon Bonaparte) — This quote does not contain the word clear.
"The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know." (Albert Einstein) — This quote does not contain the word clear.
"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare; it is because we do not dare that they are difficult." (Seneca) — This quote does not contain the word clear.
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." (Plutarch) — This quote does not contain the word clear.
"We can only see a short distance ahead, but we can see plenty there that needs to be done." (Alan Turing) — This quote does not contain the word clear.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." (Nelson Mandela) — This quote does not contain the word clear.
"I'm not interested in being a celebrity; I'm interested in being clear about what I do." (Meredith Monk)
"Make everything as simple as possible, but no simpler." (Albert Einstein) — This quote does not contain the word clear.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." (Nelson Mandela) — This quote does not contain the word clear.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." (Wayne Gretzky) — This quote does not contain the word clear.
Etymology
The word "clear" has a fascinating journey through languages!
At its very root, "clear" comes from the Latin word "clarus." In Latin, "clarus" originally meant "bright," "shining," or "luminous." Think of a bright, sunny day or a shining star.
From Latin, it made its way into Old French as "cler" (which became "clair" in modern French). Then, during the Middle English period (around 1150-1500 AD), English speakers borrowed the word "cler" from French, and that's how we got our "clear."
The earliest known use of the word "clear" in English, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, dates back to 1297 in Robert of Gloucester's Chronicle. At that time, its primary meaning was "giving light, shining, luminous," much like its Latin ancestor. It also quickly developed meanings like "not turbid; transparent, allowing light to pass through" (like clear water), and "free from impurities; morally pure, guiltless, innocent."
So, from its luminous beginnings in Latin, "clear" traveled through French to English, bringing with it the core idea of brightness, transparency, and freedom from obstruction or impurity, whether literally or figuratively.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Clear
As clear as a bell: Very easy to hear or understand.
As clear as mud: Very difficult to understand; not at all clear.
Clear the air: To remove tension or misunderstanding from a situation by discussing it openly.
Clear the way: To remove obstacles or impediments, making progress possible.
In the clear: Free from blame, suspicion, or danger.
Clear off: To leave quickly (often used as an imperative).
Clear out: To remove items from a place; to leave a place.
Clear up: To explain or resolve something; for weather to improve.
Clear a hurdle: To successfully overcome an obstacle or challenge.
Clear conscience: A feeling of freedom from guilt or wrongdoing.
To make something clear: To explain something in an unambiguous way.
A clear head: A calm and rational state of mind.
Crystal clear: Extremely clear; perfectly understood.
Clear sailing: Easy progress without difficulties.
To get a clear shot: To have an unobstructed view or opportunity to act.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of clear from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
