clair: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (in English as a common noun/adjective)Formal/Literary (when used as a French borrowing); Informal/Erroneous (when a misspelling of 'clear')
Quick answer
What does “clair” mean?
The word 'clair' is not a standard English word. It's either a misspelling of 'clear', a French borrowing meaning 'light' or 'bright', or a proper noun/name.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The word 'clair' is not a standard English word. It's either a misspelling of 'clear', a French borrowing meaning 'light' or 'bright', or a proper noun/name.
As a non-standard English item, its extended meaning depends on context: 1) If intended as 'clear', it means transparent, obvious, or free from doubt. 2) As a French borrowing (e.g., in culinary terms like 'au clair'), it can mean 'in a clear broth'. 3) As a proper noun (e.g., a surname or place name).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Neither variety uses 'clair' as a standard English word. Potential exposure might be slightly higher in UK English due to French influence, but this is marginal.
Connotations
If perceived as French: sophistication, culinary arts. If perceived as misspelling: error, informal written communication.
Frequency
Extremely rare in corpus data for standard English. Higher frequency as a surname or in borrowed phrases.
Grammar
How to Use “clair” in a Sentence
[N] au clair (borrowed culinary pattern)[be] clair (erroneous for 'clear')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clair” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The consommé was served au clair.
- It was a clair de lune night. (borrowed phrase)
American English
- The broth is au clair.
- Her notes weren't clair; she meant 'clear'. (erroneous usage)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. If appearing, likely a typo in communication.
Academic
Might appear in French literature or linguistic studies discussing borrowings.
Everyday
Only in specific contexts like discussing French cuisine or proper names.
Technical
Not used in technical English registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clair”
- Writing 'clair' instead of 'clear'.
- Assuming 'clair' is a standard English adjective.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'clair' is not a standard English word. It is either a misspelling of 'clear' or a direct borrowing from French.
It's a French culinary phrase meaning 'in a clear broth', as in 'consommé au clair'.
Yes, 'Clair' (or 'Claire') is used as a given name or surname in English-speaking countries, derived from the French word for 'clear' or 'bright'.
You generally shouldn't, unless you are intentionally using a French phrase (e.g., 'clair de lune') or quoting a proper noun. Use 'clear' for the standard English meaning.
The word 'clair' is not a standard English word. It's either a misspelling of 'clear', a French borrowing meaning 'light' or 'bright', or a proper noun/name.
Clair is usually formal/literary (when used as a french borrowing); informal/erroneous (when a misspelling of 'clear') in register.
Clair: in British English it is pronounced /kleə/ (approximation, following French pronunciation if borrowed), and in American English it is pronounced /klɛr/ (approximation, following French pronunciation if borrowed). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “mettre au clair (French: to clarify)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'clair' sounds like 'glare' but means 'clear' in French.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING (if interpreted as 'clear': 'clair reasoning' lets you 'see' the point).
Practice
Quiz
In standard English, 'clair' is primarily: