First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1clear
adjective \ˈklir\
: very obvious : not causing or allowing doubt
: easily understood
: free from doubt or confusion
Full Definition of CLEAR
1
a : bright, luminous b : cloudless; specifically : less than one-tenth covered <a clear sky> c : free from mist, haze, or dust <a clear day> d : untroubled, serene <a clear gaze>
2
: clean, pure: as a : free from blemishes <clear skin> b : easily seen through : transparent <clear glass> c : free from abnormal sounds on auscultation
3
a : easily heard <a loud and clear sound> b : easily visible : plain <a clear signal> c : free from obscurity or ambiguity : easily understood : unmistakable <a clear explanation>
4
5
: free from guile or guilt : innocent <a clear conscience>
6
: unhampered by restriction or limitation: as a : unencumbered by debts or charges <a clear estate> b : net <a clear profit> c : unqualified, absolute <a clear victory> d : free from obstruction <clear passage> e : emptied of contents or cargo f : free from entanglement or contact <staying clear of controversy> <keep clear of the boundary> g : bare, denuded <clear ground>
— clear·ness noun
See clear defined for English-language learners
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Origin of CLEAR
Middle English clere, from Anglo-French cler, from Latin clarus clear, bright; akin to Latin calare to call — more at low
Related to CLEAR
- Synonyms
- crystal, crystal clear, crystalline, limpid, liquid, lucent, pellucid, see-through, transparent
Synonym Discussion of CLEAR
clear, transparent, translucent, limpid mean capable of being seen through. clear implies absence of cloudiness, haziness, or muddiness <clear water>. transparent implies being so clear that objects can be seen distinctly <a transparent sheet of film>. translucent implies the passage of light but not a clear view of what lies beyond <translucent frosted glass>. limpid suggests the soft clearness of pure water <her eyes were limpid pools of blue>.clear, perspicuous, lucid mean quickly and easily understood. clear implies freedom from obscurity, ambiguity, or undue complexity <clear instructions>. perspicuous applies to a style that is simple and elegant as well as clear <a perspicuous style>. lucid suggests a clear logical coherence and evident order of arrangement <a lucid explanation>.
synonyms see in addition evident
Rhymes with CLEAR
2clear
adverb
: in a clear manner
: all the way : completely or entirely
Full Definition of CLEAR
1
: in a clear manner <to cry loud and clear>
2
: all the way <drove clear across the state>
See clear defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CLEAR
14th century
3clear
verb
Definition of CLEAR
transitive verb
1
a : to make clear or translucent b : to free from pollution or cloudiness
4
a : to free from what obstructs or is unneeded: as (1) : open 1b <clear a path> (2) : to remove unwanted growth or items from <clear the land of timber> (3) : to rid or make a rasping noise as if ridding (the throat) of phlegm (4) : to erase stored or displayed data from (as a computer or calculator) b : to empty of occupants <clear the room> c : disentangle <clear a fishing line> d : to remove from an area or place <clear the dishes from the table> e : transmit, dispatch
5
6
a : to free from obligation or encumbrance b : settle, discharge <clear an account> c (1) : to free (a ship or shipment) by payment of duties or harbor fees (2) : to pass through (customs) d : to gain without deduction : net <clear a profit> e : to put through a clearinghouse
7
a : to go over, under, or by without touching <the ball just cleared the uprights> b : to move through successfully : pass <the bill cleared the legislature>
intransitive verb
1
2
a : to obtain permission to discharge cargo b : to conform to regulations or pay requisite fees prior to leaving port
3
: to pass through a clearinghouse
4
: to go to an authority (as for approval) before becoming effective
— clear·able \ˈklir-ə-bəl\ adjective
— clear·er \ˈklir-ər\ noun
— clear the air also clear the atmosphere
: to remove elements of hostility, tension, confusion, or uncertainty <had a long meeting to clear the air>
— clear the decks
: to make sweeping preparations for action
See clear defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CLEAR
14th century
4clear
noun
Definition of CLEAR
1
: a clear space or part
2
: a high arcing shot over an opponent's head in badminton
— in the clear
1
: in inside measurement
2
: free from guilt or suspicion
3
: in plaintext : not in code or cipher <a message sent in the clear>
See clear defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CLEAR
1674
CLEAR Defined for Kids
1clear
adjective \ˈklir\
clear·erclear·est
Definition of CLEAR for Kids
1
: easily heard, seen, noticed, or understood <a clear definition> <The differences were clear.> <She spoke in a clear voice.>
2
: free of clouds, haze, or mist <a clear day>
3
: free from feelings of guilt <a clear conscience>
4
: easily seen through <clear water>
5
: free from doubt or confusion : sure <Are you clear on what you need to do?>
6
: free of blemishes <clear skin>
7
: not blocked <a clear path> <a clear view>
2clear
verb
clearedclear·ing
Definition of CLEAR for Kids
1
: to free of things blocking <I cleared my throat.>
2
: to make or become free of clouds, haze, or mist <The sky cleared.>
3
: to get rid of : remove <Please clear dishes from the table.>
4
: to go over or by without touching <The ball I hit cleared the fence.>
5
: to go away : disperse <The crowd cleared rapidly.>
6
: explain 1 <We tried to clear the matter up.>
7
: to free from blame <The judge cleared my name.>
8
: to approve or be approved by <Our plane was cleared to land.> <Our proposal cleared the committee.>
9
: to make as profit <We cleared 85 dollars on the sale.>
3clear
adverb
Definition of CLEAR for Kids
1
: in a way that is easy to hear <loud and clear>
2
: all the way <I could hear you clear across the room.>
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