clear
UK[klɪə(r)]US[klɪr]
adj
easy to understand; not confusing or ambiguous
adj
transparent; able to be seen through
adj
free from obstructions or unwanted objects
adj
certain and without doubt
v
to remove something that is blocking or unwanted
v
to become transparent or bright
v
to gain official permission or approval
Etymology
The word 'clear' entered English in the late 13th century from Old French 'cler', which itself originated from Latin 'clarus' meaning "bright, clear, famous, illustrious." The Latin term can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root kel- (to shout), which also gave rise to words like 'claim' and 'clamor', suggesting a semantic evolution from making a loud, audible sound to being visually or intellectually bright and distinct. This journey from auditory prominence to visual and mental clarity illustrates a classic path of semantic broadening. The modern English meanings encompassing transparency, freedom from obstruction, and intellectual certainty all flow from this core idea of being bright, pure, and unobscured.
Analysis
The word 'clear' is a simplex word derived from a single, tight Germanic root. It is not productively segmentable into smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern English.
Examples
The instructions were clear and easy to follow.
The water was so clear we could see the bottom of the lake.
The company needed to clear the land before construction could begin.