clarice: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (as a common noun, it does not exist in standard English. As a proper noun, its frequency is tied to its use as a name and cultural reference.)Formal / Neutral (as a proper noun, its register is dictated by context.)
Quick answer
What does “clarice” mean?
A female given name of Latin origin, meaning 'bright' or 'clear'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A female given name of Latin origin, meaning 'bright' or 'clear'.
Primarily used as a personal name. In popular culture, it is famously associated with the fictional character Clarice Starling from 'The Silence of the Lambs'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences. It is a name used in both varieties.
Connotations
The primary modern connotation in both regions stems from the character Clarice Starling, evoking themes of FBI investigations, crime, and psychological thrillers.
Frequency
Equally rare/uncommon as a word in general English, outside of its use as a personal name.
Grammar
How to Use “clarice” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
May appear in cultural, film, or literary studies discussing 'The Silence of the Lambs'.
Everyday
Used exclusively as a person's name.
Technical
No technical usage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clarice”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'The clarice of the situation was apparent.' – INCORRECT).
- Mispronouncing it as /klæˈraɪs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is almost exclusively a proper noun (a personal name) and has no meaning as a common noun in modern English.
The British pronunciation /ˈklær.ɪs/ reflects a more traditional anglicisation, while the American /kləˈriːs/ follows a closer approximation to the original Latin/Italian sound and a common US naming convention.
No. While the name etymologically derives from a word meaning 'clear,' in contemporary English, 'Clarice' is only a name. Use 'clarity' for the concept.
The character Clarice Starling, played by Jodie Foster in the 1991 film 'The Silence of the Lambs.'
A female given name of Latin origin, meaning 'bright' or 'clear'.
Clarice is usually formal / neutral (as a proper noun, its register is dictated by context.) in register.
Clarice: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklær.ɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /kləˈriːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Clarice STARLING: She STARs in psychological thrillers and is a STAR agent.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIGHTNESS IS INTELLIGENCE/CLARITY (from its Latin root 'clarus').
Practice
Quiz
What is 'clarice' primarily in the English language?