clearance
B2Formal, Technical, Business
Definition
Meaning
The action or process of removing, authorizing, or making a space free from obstruction or danger.
Official authorization or permission; the distance between two objects; the sale of goods at reduced prices to remove stock.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A polysemous noun. Core meaning relates to physical removal or authorization. Extended meanings branch into commercial, logistical, and technical domains.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. 'Clearance sale' is equally common. 'Security clearance' is identical. 'Customs clearance' is used in both.
Connotations
Same core connotations of permission, safety, and removal.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American business/military contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N + for + N (clearance for takeoff)N + from + N (clearance from the authorities)N + to-inf (clearance to enter)Adj + N (high clearance)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give (something) a wide clearance (to avoid carefully)”
- “Get clearance (to receive permission)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The goods are stuck in the warehouse awaiting customs clearance.
Academic
The study required ethical clearance from the university board.
Everyday
There's a big clearance sale at the department store this weekend.
Technical
The bridge has a clearance of only 3.5 metres.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The lorry needs to clear customs before delivery.
- The committee will clear the proposal next week.
American English
- The truck needs to clear customs before delivery.
- The committee will clear the proposal next week.
adverb
British English
- He spoke loud and clear.
- The instructions were stated clear enough.
American English
- He spoke loud and clear.
- The instructions were stated clearly enough.
adjective
British English
- She gave a clear answer.
- We need clear authorisation.
American English
- She gave a clear answer.
- We need clear authorization.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The plane got clearance to land.
- The shop is having a clearance.
- You need security clearance to work here.
- The bridge has low clearance for tall vehicles.
- After lengthy checks, the shipment finally received customs clearance.
- The pilot was waiting for final clearance from air traffic control.
- The diplomatic incident delayed the clearance of the aircraft for overflight rights.
- He underwent a rigorous vetting process to obtain top-secret clearance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CLEARANCE = CLEAR + ANCE. Think of the action (-ance) of making something clear or getting the 'all clear'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERMISSION IS A CLEAR PATH / OBSTACLES ARE PHYSICAL BLOCKS
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'чистота' (cleanliness).
- Avoid direct translation for 'clearance sale' (распродажа is correct).
- 'Security clearance' is not 'безопасная очистка' but 'допуск по безопасности'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'clearance' as a verb (correct verb is 'clear').
- Confusing 'clearance' with 'clarity'.
- Using 'a clearance' instead of 'clearance' (usually uncountable).
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'clearance' most commonly refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily uncountable (e.g., 'We need clearance'). It can be countable when referring to specific types or instances (e.g., 'several security clearances').
'Clearance' implies formal, often official or security-related authorization after checks. 'Permission' is more general.
Yes, 'clearance sale' specifically means selling off stock, often at reduced prices to clear space.
Similar, but 'get clearance' focuses on receiving authorization. 'Be cleared' can be the state resulting from that or mean being found innocent.
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