clear
KLEER
Clear (adj) means Transparent, or free of clouds, mist, or obstruction. Example: “The sky was clear and blue all afternoon.”
adj
1
Transparent, or free of clouds, mist, or obstruction.
"The sky was clear and blue all afternoon."
"You could see straight through the clear water to the bottom."
"After the rain, the air felt fresh and the view was clear."
2
Easy to understand, see, or hear; free of ambiguity.
"Please give me clear instructions."
"His explanation was clear and easy to follow."
"The sign gave a clear warning about the slippery floor ahead."
verb
1
To remove obstacles or unwanted items so something becomes open or unobstructed.
"They cleared the fallen tree from the road."
"She cleared her desk before going on leave."
"Please clear the plates from the table before dessert arrives."
2
To officially free someone from suspicion, blame, or an obligation.
"DNA evidence cleared him of the charges."
"The inquiry cleared the pilot of any blame for the delay."
"She was relieved when the committee cleared her of cheating."
How to use clear
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEasy to see, understand, or pass through — or, as a verb, to remove obstacles or lift suspicion.
Common pairings
clear skies
clear up
clear out
clear the air
crystal clear
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Word forms
- Plural
- clears
- Third person singular
- clears
- Past tense
- cleared
- Comparative
- clearer
- Superlative
- clearest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The sky was _____ and blue all afternoon.
Etymology
From Old French cler, from Latin clarus, "bright, clear, famous" — the same root as "clarity" and "declare."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for clear
See all rhymes for clear →Frequently asked questions
What does “clear” mean?
The word “clear” means transparent, or free of clouds, mist, or obstruction. In plain terms, easy to see, understand, or pass through — or, as a verb, to remove obstacles or lift suspicion.
How do you pronounce “clear”?
“Clear” is pronounced KLEER (/ˈklɪɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “clear” in a sentence?
Here is “clear” used in a sentence: “The sky was clear and blue all afternoon.”
What part of speech is “clear”?
Depending on how it is used, “clear” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “clear” come from?
The word “clear” comes from Latin. From Old French cler, from Latin clarus, "bright, clear, famous" — the same root as "clarity" and "declare.".
Is “clear” a common word?
“Clear” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “clear” have?
“Clear” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: transparent, or free of clouds, mist, or obstruction.
What is the difference between clear and transparent?
Transparent means you can see straight through something, like clean glass or water. Clear can mean exactly the same, but it is a broader everyday word that also describes air free of mist, a sky free of cloud, or a path free of obstruction. All transparent things are clear, but not all clear things are transparent.
What is the difference between clear and translucent?
Clear, or transparent, lets light and images pass through so you see a sharp view on the other side, like a window. Translucent lets light through but scatters it, so you see only a blur, like frosted glass or tracing paper. The difference is whether you can see through it distinctly.
What is the opposite of clear?
It depends on the sense. For glass or water, the opposite is opaque, cloudy, or murky. For weather, the opposite of a clear sky is overcast or cloudy. In each case, 'clear' means light and vision pass freely, while its opposites block or muddy the view.
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