clear

clear / ˈkli(ə)r/ • adj. 1. easy to perceive, understand, or interpret: clear and precise directions. ∎  leaving no doubt; obvious or unambiguous: a clear case of poisoning. ∎  having or feeling no doubt or confusion: every student must be clear about what is expected. 2. free of anything that marks or darkens something, in particular: ∎  (of a substance) transparent: a stream of clear water. ∎  free of cloud, mist, or rain: the day was fine and clear. ∎  (of a person's skin) free from blemishes. ∎  (of a person's eyes) unclouded; shining: I looked into her clear gray eyes. ∎  (of a color) pure and intense. ∎ archaic (of a fire) burning with little smoke. 3. free of any obstructions or unwanted objects: I had a clear view in both directions. ∎  (of a period of time) free of any appointments or commitments: the following Saturday Mattie had a clear day. ∎  (of a person) free of something undesirable or unpleasant: he was clear of TB. ∎  (of a person's mind) free of something that impairs logical thought: in the morning, with a clear head, she would tackle her problems. ∎  (of a person's conscience) free of guilt. 4. (clear of) not touching; away from: the truck was wedged in the ditch, one wheel clear of the ground. 5. (of a sum of money) net: a clear profit of $1,100. 6. Phonet. denoting a palatalized form of l (as in salad or willing) in some southern U.S. accents or as in leaf in Irish accents. Often contrasted with dark. • adv. 1. so as to be out of the way of or away from: stand clear, I'll start the plane up. ∎  so as not to be obstructed or cluttered: the floor had been swept clear of litter. 2. with clarity; distinctly: she had to toss her head to see the lake clear again. 3. completely: he had time to get clear away. ∎  (clear to) all the way to: you could see clear to the bottom of the lagoon. • v. 1. [intr.] become free of something that marks, darkens, obstructs, or covers something, in particular: ∎  (of the sky or weather) become free of cloud or rain: we'll go out if the weather clears. ∎  (of a liquid) become transparent: a wine that refuses to clear. ∎  become free of obstructions: the boy's lungs cleared and he began to breathe more easily. ∎  gradually go away or disappear: the fever clears in two to four weeks. ∎  (of a person's face or expression) assume a happier aspect following previous confusion or distress: for a moment, Sam was confused; then his expression cleared. ∎  (of a person's mind) regain the capacity for logical thought; become free of confusion: his mind cleared and he began to reflect. 2. [tr.] make (something) free of marks, obstructions, or unwanted items, in particular: ∎  remove an obstruction or unwanted item or items from: the driveway had been cleared of snow. ∎  free (land) for cultivation or building by removing vegetation or existing structures. ∎  free (one's mind) of unpleasantness or confusion. ∎  cause people to leave (a building or place): the police shouted a warning and cleared the streets. 3. [tr.] remove (an obstruction or unwanted item) from somewhere: snow was cleared from the storm drains. ∎  chiefly Soccer send (the ball) away from the area near one's goal. ∎  discharge (a debt). 4. [tr.] get past or over (something) safely or without touching it: the plane rose high enough to clear the trees. ∎  jump (a specified height) in a competition: she cleared 1.50 meters in the high jump. 5. [tr.] show or declare (someone) officially to be innocent: the commission had cleared the weightlifter of cheating. 6. [tr.] give official approval or authorization to: I cleared him to return to his squadron. ∎  get official approval for (something): the press releases had to be cleared with the White House. ∎  (of a person or goods) satisfy the necessary requirements to pass through (customs). ∎  pass (a check) through a clearinghouse so that the money goes into the payee's account. ∎  [intr.] (of a check) pass through a clearinghouse in such a way. 7. [tr.] earn or gain (an amount of money) as a net profit. PHRASES: as clear as mudsee mud. clear the air make the air less sultry. ∎  defuse or clarify an angry, tense, or confused situation by frank discussion. (as) clear as a bellsee bell¹ . (as) clear as day very easy to see or understand. clear the name of show to be innocent. clear one's throat cough slightly so as to speak more clearly, attract attention, or to express hesitancy before saying something awkward. clear the way remove an obstacle or hindrance to allow progress: the ruling could be enough to clear the way for impeachment proceedings. in the clear no longer in danger or suspected of something: the latest information put her in the clear. out of a (or the) clear blue sky as a complete surprise. PHRASAL VERBS: clear out inf. leave quickly. clear something out remove the contents from something so as to tidy it or free it for alternative use. clear up 1. (of an illness or other medical condition) become cured. 2. (of the weather) become brighter. ∎  (of rain) stop. clear something up 1. (also clear up) tidy something up by removing trash or other unwanted items. ∎  remove trash or other unwanted items to leave something tidy. 2. solve or explain something: he wanted to clear up some misconceptions. 3. cure an illness or other medical condition. DERIVATIVES: clear·a·ble adj. clear·ness n.