What is clear? Pronunciation and usage in English

clear means . Learn how to pronounce and use clear through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of clear

clearadjective/verb

/klɪə/
Definition & pronunciation of clear

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "clear" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and it depends slightly on where you are (American vs. British English).

1. American English (Most Common):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈklɪər/ (rhymes with "sliver" or "deliver")
  • Breakdown:
    • /ˈ/ (stress): This indicates the stressed syllable – it’s the most emphasized part of the word.
    • kl: Sounds like the "cl" in "clock." Short and crisp.
    • ɪ: This is a short "i" sound, like in "bit" or "sit."
    • ər: This is the schwa sound, a very relaxed "uh" sound. It's the most common vowel sound in English and often changes depending on the surrounding sounds.

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: /klɪər/ (often similar to American, but sometimes slightly different)
  • Breakdown: Very similar to the American pronunciation, though the 'r' sound is often a bit softer. The schwa sound (/ər/) is key.

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Focus on the "i" sound: Make sure you're saying a short "i" like in "bit," not a long "ee" sound.
  • Relax the “r”: In both American and British English, the "r" in "clear" is often a very light sound—almost like an "uh" sound following the "l." Don't over-emphasize it.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! You can find recordings online:
    • Google: Search for "how to pronounce clear" on Google and listen to the audio results.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/clear/ – This website lets you hear the word pronounced by native speakers from different regions.

To help me give you more targeted advice, would you like me to:

  • Record a pronunciation for you? (Though I can't actually record audio, I can give you a very precise verbal guide.)
  • Focus on the difference between American and British pronunciations?

Usage and examples with the word clear in English

Let's break down how to use the word "clear" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Clarity of Understanding (Most Common)

  • Meaning: Easy to understand; intelligible; not confusing.
  • Usage: This is the most frequent way “clear” is used.
  • Examples:
    • "Can you clear up that point for me?" (Explain it more clearly)
    • "The instructions were very clear and easy to follow." (Easy to understand)
    • "I’m not clear about what you mean." (I don't understand)
    • "She gave a clear explanation of the problem." (A straightforward explanation)

2. Clean and Unobstructed (Physical)

  • Meaning: Free from dirt, obstacles, or obstructions; spotless.
  • Usage: Describing something physically clean.
  • Examples:
    • "The windows were clear after we washed them." (No dirt or smudges)
    • "The sky was clear and blue." (Without clouds)
    • "He swept the floor to make it clear." (Without clutter)
    • "The path was clear for travel." (Free of obstacles)

3. Transparent (Physical - Materials)

  • Meaning: Allowing light to pass through; not opaque.
  • Usage: Describing the quality of a material.
  • Examples:
    • “The glass was clear.” (You can see through it)
    • “She wore a clear plastic raincoat.” (It allows light through)

4. Resolved or Settled (Legal/Situational)

  • Meaning: Finished; settled; concluded; decided. Often used to describe a legal or dispute situation.
  • Usage: Expressing that something is finalized.
  • Examples:
    • “The case was cleared by the judge.” (Resolved legally)
    • "After a lengthy discussion, the issues were cleared up." (The problems were resolved)

5. Distinct and Obvious

  • Meaning: Noticeable; apparent; easily recognizable.
  • Usage: Describing something that stands out.
  • Examples:
    • “His anger was clear in his voice.” (Obvious)
    • "The evidence was clear; he was guilty." (Apparent)

6. “Clear” as a Verb (To Make Clear)

  • Meaning: To explain something in a way that is easy to understand; to eliminate ambiguity.
  • Usage: Acting as an action word.
  • Examples:
    • “Please clear up the confusion.” (Explain it)
    • “Could you clear this up for me?” (Explain it)

7. “Clear” as an Adjective (For Sounds)

  • Meaning: Audible; easily heard.
  • Usage: Describing sound quality.
  • Examples:
    • “The music was clear and crisp.” (You can hear it well)
    • "I couldn't hear the speaker because the sound was clear."

Helpful Tips for Using "Clear":

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "clear" changes dramatically depending on the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms to avoid repetition, such as: understandable, obvious, spotless, transparent, resolved, distinct.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you trying to use "clear" in? (e.g., a conversation, writing an essay, describing an object)

Synonyms for the word clear

Idioms of the word clear

be clear/smooth sailing
to be simple and free from trouble
    (as) clear as day
    easy to see or understand
      (as) clear as mud
      (informal, humorous)not clear at all; not easy to understand
      • Oh well, that's all as clear as mud, then.
      clear blue water (between A and B)
      a complete difference or division between two people or groups
      • Voters want to see clear blue water between the main parties.
      • They failed to put clear blue water between themselves and their competitors.
      the coast is clear
      (informal)there is no danger of being seen or caught
      • As soon as the coast was clear, he climbed in through the window.
      keep your head | keep a clear/cool head
      to remain calm in a difficult situation
      • She needed to keep a clear head if she was to remain in control.
      leave the field clear for somebody
      to enable somebody to be successful in a particular area of activity because other people or groups have given up competing with them
      • The complete disarray of the opposition parties leaves the field clear for the government to implement urgent reforms.
      loud and clear
      in a way that is very easy to understand
      • The message is coming through loud and clear.
      see your way (clear) to doing something/to do something
      to find that it is possible or convenient to do something
      • Small builders cannot see their way clear to take on many trainees.

      Practice with vocabulary clear

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. The instructions were ______, so everyone understood what to do.
      2. Despite the fog, the path ahead was ______ enough to follow.
      3. Her explanation was ______, but I still needed more details to proceed.
      4. The water in the lake was so ______ that we could see the fish swimming below.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. Which word best describes something easy to understand?
        a) clear
        b) vague
        c) complex
        d) obscure

      2. Select the word that fits: "The teacher’s explanation was ______, so all the students could follow."
        a) unclear
        b) clear
        c) confusing
        d) intricate

      3. Which word does NOT fit: "The sky was ______, and we could see the stars perfectly."
        a) clear
        b) cloudy
        c) bright
        d) unobstructed

      4. Choose the best word: "Her intentions were ______, and everyone trusted her."
        a) transparent
        b) ambiguous
        c) clear
        d) vague

      5. Which word describes something free from obstacles?
        a) open
        b) blocked
        c) clear
        d) crowded

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The message was easy to understand.
      2. It was obvious that she was upset.
      3. The road was free from any obstructions.

      Answer

      Exercise 1:

      1. clear
      2. clear
      3. unclear
      4. clear

      Exercise 2:

      1. a) clear
      2. b) clear
      3. b) cloudy
      4. c) clear
      5. c) clear

      Exercise 3:

      1. The message was clear.
      2. It was clear that she was upset.
      3. The road was clear.

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