clea: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral (used across all registers from formal to informal)
Quick answer
What does “clea” mean?
easy to see, hear, or understand.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
easy to see, hear, or understand; free from obstruction or ambiguity.
To remove obstacles or confusion; to become transparent or free; to gain authorization or approval; to make a profit after deductions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling differences in derived forms (e.g., 'cleared' vs. 'cleared' is same). Usage in phrasal verbs may vary slightly (e.g., 'clear up' is common in both, but 'clear out' might be more frequent in UK for tidying). The noun 'clearance' is used identically.
Connotations
Largely identical connotations of transparency, permission, and unobstructedness in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “clea” in a Sentence
clear something (of something)clear somebody (of something)clear something from somewhereclear upclear outVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clea” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Could you clear the table after dinner?
- The fog is starting to clear.
- He was cleared of all charges.
American English
- We need to clear these boxes from the hallway.
- The cheque took three days to clear.
- The doctor cleared him to play.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to profit after costs ('net profit'), approval from authorities ('get clearance'), or removing obstacles ('clear bottlenecks').
Academic
Used to describe unambiguous arguments, transparent methodology, or lucid explanations.
Everyday
Commonly describes weather, understanding, instructions, or tidying space.
Technical
In computing, 'clear the cache' or 'clear the screen'; in aviation, 'cleared for takeoff'; in finance, 'cleared funds'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clea”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clea”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clea”
- Using 'clear' as a noun to mean 'cleaning product' (incorrect; use 'cleaner').
- Confusing 'clear' (adj) with 'clean' (adj). A window can be clean but not clear if it's frosted.
- Overusing 'very clear' instead of stronger synonyms like 'crystal clear' or 'perfectly clear'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a neutral word, appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.
'Clear' is primarily an adjective (a clear sky) and can be an adverb in some fixed phrases ('stand clear'). 'Clearly' is the standard adverb meaning 'in a clear manner' (speak clearly) or 'without a doubt' (that is clearly wrong).
Rarely in modern English. The main noun form is 'clearance' (security clearance, clearance sale). In forestry, 'a clear' can mean a tract of cleared land.
It means to resolve a misunderstanding or bad feeling by talking about it openly, making the emotional atmosphere less tense.
easy to see, hear, or understand.
Clea: in British English it is pronounced /klɪə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /klɪr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “clear the air”
- “clear as day”
- “clear the decks”
- “in the clear”
- “steer clear”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CLEAR glass window – you can see right through it, with nothing in the way.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING ('I see what you mean' / 'That's clear'); MORAL PURITY IS CLEANLINESS ('clear conscience'); FREEDOM IS UNOBSTRUCTED SPACE ('clear the path').
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'clear' NOT mean 'obvious' or 'easy to understand'?