clear
adjective
UK/klɪər/US/klɪr/
Free from obstruction, easy to see through, or easy to understand; unambiguous or unmistakable.
Example Sentences
The sky was clear, allowing us to see the stars brightly.
He gave a clear explanation of the complex theory, making it easy for everyone to understand.
The water in the lake is so clear that you can see the fish swimming at the bottom.
She made a clear decision to pursue her passion despite the risks involved.
The instructions were clear and concise, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
Despite the fog, the lighthouse's beam remained clear, guiding ships safely to shore.
In the meeting, her clear stance on the issue helped resolve the debate quickly, demonstrating her strong leadership and ability to communicate effectively.
After months of confusion and misinformation, the manager finally provided a clear strategy that aligned the team's efforts and set a solid foundation for future projects.
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verb (transitive)
UK/klɪər/US/klɪr/
To remove something that is blocking or covering; to make something free of confusion or obstacles; to become free of obstructions.
Example Sentences
Please clear the table after dinner so we can set it for the next meal.
The road was cleared of debris after the storm, allowing traffic to resume normally.
She decided to clear her schedule to focus entirely on the new project.
The committee worked diligently to clear up the misunderstandings between the departments, fostering a more collaborative environment.
He needs to clear his head before making such an important decision, ensuring he can think clearly and objectively.
After the presentation, she took a moment to clear her notes and organize her materials for the next meeting.
The firefighters quickly cleared the building of smoke and flames, preventing further damage and ensuring everyone's safety.
In the midst of the chaos, the team leader remained calm and worked to clear the confusion, guiding everyone towards a coordinated response.
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noun (uncountable)
UK/klɪər/US/klɪr/
An unobstructed view or area; the act of making something clear or free of obstructions.
Example Sentences
From the hilltop, there was a perfect clear of the entire valley, allowing for breathtaking panoramic views.
The pilot announced that they had a clear for landing, so passengers could prepare to disembark.
The window provided a clear, uninterrupted view of the bustling city streets below.
During the soccer match, the player made a swift clear, removing the ball from the defensive zone.
After the meeting, she gave a clear on the next steps to ensure everyone was on the same page.
He needs to make a clear decision about his career path before the end of the year.
They enjoyed a peaceful clear by the river, free from any noise or distractions, perfect for relaxation and reflection.
The soldier took a deep breath before making a clear to advance, demonstrating both courage and determination.
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adverb
UK/klɪər/US/klɪr/
In a clear manner; without obstruction or confusion.
Example Sentences
He spoke clearly, ensuring that everyone understood his instructions.
The water flowed clearly over the smooth rocks, making it easy to see the fish swimming below.
She articulated her thoughts clearly, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
The instructions were written clearly, so even beginners could follow them without difficulty.
Despite the noise, her message came across clearly, demonstrating her effective communication skills.
He could see clearly in the daylight, but the fog made everything blurry.
She presented her case clearly and logically, convincing the committee to support her proposal.
The teacher explained the concept clearly, helping students grasp the material quickly and thoroughly.
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How to Use
Easily understood or devoid of obstacles and ambiguity.This word functions as both an adjective and a verb, covering a range of contexts. As an adjective, it describes something free of obstructions or confusion. For instance, you might say “The instructions are very clear,” emphasizing easy comprehension. It can also indicate transparency or emptiness—“The water is clear,” suggesting you can see through it. As a verb, “to clear” signifies removing or making free of something: “I need to clear my desk before starting a new project,” or “They cleared the debris from the road after the storm.” It’s also common in financial or administrative contexts—“Your payment has cleared,” meaning it’s been successfully processed. Grammatically, the verb form conjugates as “clear” (present), “cleared” (past and past participle), and “clearing” (present participle). In writing, “clear” can instruct you to make your message or area unobstructed (“Clear any doubts before continuing”), or to illustrate clarity in thinking. When using it as an adjective, pair it with specific nouns to clarify what’s free of confusion or interference: a “clear message,” “clear path,” or “clear conscience.” Overall, “clear” conveys directness, openness, and removal of barriers—whether mental, physical, or procedural.
Alternatives
If you’re looking to avoid repeating this word too often or wish to give more precise detail, consider synonyms or closely related phrases. For an adjective, terms like “transparent,” “unambiguous,” “lucid,” or “explicit” can refine your meaning, emphasizing different aspects of readability or openness. “Transparent” works well for physical contexts or metaphorical clarity (e.g., transparent processes), while “unambiguous” stresses the absolute lack of confusion. “Lucid” fits especially well in intellectual or mental contexts, highlighting that something is easily understood, whereas “explicit” underlines that no detail is left unexplained. For the verb sense, try “remove,” “empty,” or “rid of,” which highlight the action of taking something away or making space. “Erase” might be appropriate for wiping data or memories, while “clarify” suits intangible contexts, such as making an argument more coherent. In both casual and formal writing, these alternatives can enhance precision—picking the right synonym helps ensure you capture nuances like emotional transparency, visible openness, or textual simplicity. By selecting words that pinpoint exactly what you mean, you maintain variety and keep your language engaging and accurate, whether you’re discussing instructions, obligations, or the state of a physical environment.
Writing
In written communication, this term proves invaluable for conveying directness, accessibility, and a lack of ambiguity. Whether you’re drafting an instructional guide or a persuasive essay, using “clear” reminds readers that your intent is straightforward. For instance, you might say, “Please provide a clear summary of your findings,” emphasizing no extraneous details or vague statements. In academic or professional documents, employing “clear” (or its synonyms) signals that you aim for utmost readability—particularly useful in technical manuals, where clarity dictates how well someone can follow procedures. If you’re describing a state of mind, such as “a clear focus,” you highlight mental sharpness and freedom from distraction. Additionally, instructions like “Clear your workspace” or “Clear up any misconceptions” imply removing clutter—be it physical or conceptual. Balance is key: while “clear” is direct and widely understood, overuse can diminish its impact. Introduce synonyms (“explicit,” “transparent,” “uncomplicated”) or specify in greater detail (“the path is unobstructed,” “the reasoning is unambiguous”) for variety and precision. Ensuring clarity in your writing not only helps the reader but also structures your thoughts, guiding the narrative or explanation toward its intended conclusion free of confusion.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “clear” helps people quickly underscore openness or ease of understanding. You might say, “It’s clear you worked hard on that project,” showing straightforward acknowledgment of effort. When giving instructions like “Can you clear this table?” or “Let’s clear the air,” you convey the need to remove obstacles—be they physical items or lingering tension. Friends might reassure each other with statements like, “Just be clear about your feelings,” highlighting the importance of directness. If you’re navigating tasks or chores, “Is it clear what we need to do next?” checks whether everyone understands the plan. The term also appears frequently when coordinating schedules or discussing permissions, such as “My schedule is clear on Friday,” implying you’re free. If you want a gentler or more casual style, synonyms like “open,” “straightforward,” or “simple” might fit, though “clear” itself remains a universally accepted shortcut to indicate that something is plainly stated or not cluttered. In normal exchanges, keep context in mind: is it about instructions, emotional honesty, or physical space? Pinpointing that nuance ensures that your usage of “clear” or its alternatives fits seamlessly into easygoing, daily speech.
Etymology
Tracing back to the Latin term “clarus,” which signified bright, shining, or renowned, the English word “clear” gradually evolved through Old French (“cler”) before settling into Middle English. Originally, “clarus” conveyed visibility or illustriousness, reflecting the idea that something was well-lit, obvious, and easily seen. Over centuries, English speakers integrated additional nuances, connecting brightness with ease of comprehension or unobstructed passage. Hence, “clear” came to mean not only visually transparent—like clear water or a clear sky—but also conceptually straightforward, as with clear logic or a clear explanation. With time, the meaning expanded further to describe removing obstacles (“clear the table”), releasing responsibilities (“cleared of charges”), or making space (“clear the schedule”). Each sense still shares the underlying notion of openness, absence of barriers, or luminous clarity. Despite its broad applications—spanning mental clarity, legal contexts, and physical descriptions—“clear” keeps its essential connotation of unobstructed understanding or visibility. This enduring simplicity highlights how language can pivot on an image of brightness or lucidity, bridging the tangible and intangible realms in a single word.