blear: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very low frequencyLiterary, archaic
Quick answer
What does “blear” mean?
To make (the eyes or vision) dim, watery, blurred, or unclear.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make (the eyes or vision) dim, watery, blurred, or unclear.
To obscure or dim something, often figuratively (e.g., the memory or judgement). Also used as an adjective to describe eyes or vision that are dim, watery, or indistinct from tiredness, tears, or illness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Archaising, poetic, descriptive of physical discomfort or weariness.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech. Most common in its derived form 'bleary' (e.g., bleary-eyed).
Grammar
How to Use “blear” in a Sentence
to blear (sb's) eyes/sight/visionto be bleared (with tears/sleep/fog)blear-eyed (compound adjective)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blear” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The relentless drizzle began to blear the windscreen.
- Years of squinting at small print had bleared his sight.
American English
- Tears bleared her vision as she read the letter.
- The morning fog bleared the view of the mountains.
adverb
British English
- The figure appeared blear through the frosted glass.
- Not a standard usage.
American English
- Not a standard part of speech for 'blear'.
adjective
British English
- He peered at the map with blear eyes after the long drive.
- The witness gave only a blear description of the suspect.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in literary or historical analysis.
Everyday
Not used. The common term is 'bleary' (as in 'bleary-eyed').
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blear”
- Using 'blear' instead of the more common adjective 'bleary'.
- Using it in active voice in modern contexts (e.g., 'The fog blears the window' sounds archaic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare in modern English. Its derived adjective 'bleary' (as in 'bleary-eyed') is far more common.
'Blur' is the general, common term for making something visually unclear. 'Blear' is archaic/poetic and specifically suggests dimness or wateriness, especially of the eyes.
No, it is not used as a noun in standard modern English.
For most learners, it is sufficient to recognise the word in literary contexts. Actively using the adjective 'bleary' is more practical for modern communication.
To make (the eyes or vision) dim, watery, blurred, or unclear.
Blear is usually literary, archaic in register.
Blear: in British English it is pronounced /blɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /blɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “blear-eyed”
- “bleary-eyed”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BLEAR' sounds like 'BLUR' + 'TEAR' – eyes blurred with tears.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISION IS CLARITY > IMPAIRED VISION IS PHYSICAL DIRT/CONFUSION (e.g., 'bleared with sleep').
Practice
Quiz
In which phrase is 'blear' most naturally used today?