单词 | clearness |
释义 | clearclear1 /klɪə $ klɪr/ ●●● S1 W1 adjective (comparative clearer, superlative clearest) Entry menu MENU FOR clearclear1 easy to understand2 impossible to doubt3 sure about something4 thinking5 substance/liquid6 weather7 eyes8 skin9 easy to see10 easy to hear11 after tax12 a clear conscience13 period of time14 not busy15 not blocked/covered16 see your way clear (to doing something)17 be clear of something18 as clear as mud Word OriginWORD ORIGINclear1 ExamplesOrigin: 1200-1300 Old French cler, from Latin clarus ‘clear, bright’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES Thesaurus
THESAURUSeasy to see through► clear Collocations easy to see through, rather than coloured or dirty: · The table top is a piece of clear glass.· a clear liquid· The water was so clear that you could see down to the bottom of the lake. ► transparent clear – used especially about materials and solid things. Transparent is a little more formal than clear: · Fill a transparent plastic bottle with water.· a piece of transparent film· Melt 2 ounces of butter in a large frying pan, and cook the onions until they are almost transparent. ► see-through made of a very thin material that you can see through – used especially about women’s clothes: · She wore a black see-through dress. ► limpid literary clear – used especially about water or other liquids . This is a very formal word which is used in novels and literature: · limpid pools· She gave her a golden flask of limpid olive oil. difficult to see through► opaque difficult to see through: · The shower has an opaque glass door. Longman Language Activatorclear and easy to understand► clear · The instructions aren't really clear.clear on/about · Children need clear rules about what is allowed and what isn't· You're not allowed to use a dictionary in this exam. The rules are quite clear on this point.clear to somebody · It may be clear to you, but I haven't got a clue what it means.crystal clear (=extremely clear) · Though he didn't say anything directly his meaning was crystal clear. ► plain language, instructions etc that are plain are easy to understand because there is nothing difficult or unnecessary in them that might be confusing: · She spoke slowly and carefully, using plain simple language.· The document is written in plain English. ► unambiguous having only one possible meaning and therefore clear: · Safety guidelines need to be plain and unambiguous.· In last night's speech, the president finally made an unambiguous statement on the issue of taxes. ► explicit: explicit instructions/account/warning etc expressed very clearly and including every detail, so that no part of your meaning is hidden: · Mr Beazley left explicit instructions that he wasn't to be disturbed.· I don't quite understand -- could you be a bit more explicit?explicit about: · He's not being very explicit about his plans, is he? ► unequivocal formal so clear that the meaning or intention cannot be mistaken or doubted: · The European Parliament has given the plan its unequivocal support.· The answer to our request was an unequivocal "no".· This time his father was unequivocal: "You're getting no more money from me, and that's final.'' ► expressly formal if you expressly state something, you state it very clearly and firmly, usually in writing: expressly state something: · Although it's not expressly stated in your contract, you are expected to attend weekend training sessions.· It is expressly stated in the sales agreement that the buyer is to pay for any home inspection.expressly forbid something: · The new law expressly forbids the importation of radioactive waste. to make something completely clear► make clear/make it clear · I tried to make clear exactly what I meant.make it clear (that) · The teacher made it clear that she would not allow talking in class.make something clear · We want to make the rules clear from the beginning.make yourself clear (=make it clear what you mean) · Am I making myself clear? ► clarify formal to make something clearer, especially because people have not completely understood it: · I hope this statement has helped to clarify a few points.clarify your position (=make it clear what you think about something and what your intentions are): · The senator tried to clarify his position on abortion. ► spell out to explain something in the clearest possible way, especially when you think it should be unnecessary to make things so simple or to give so many details: · Do I have to spell out to you how important this is to me?· Andrews was asked to spell out exactly how pensions would be affected.· Campbell spelled out the reasons why staff reductions were necessary. ► lay it on the line informal to state something clearly and strongly, especially something that other people may be unwilling to listen to or accept: · I'm going to lay it on the line. If you don't quit drinking, I'm going to leave you. ► in no uncertain terms if you say something in no uncertain terms , you make your meaning very clear, especially when you are annoyed with someone about something: · The president of the university condemned racism on campus in no uncertain terms.· You've got to let him know, in no uncertain terms, that you will no longer tolerate his abuse. not clear► unclear/not clear · It is unclear how the man died.· The instructions aren't very clear.· The terms of our tenancy agreement are somewhat unclear.· The reasons for his resignation are still not clear.unclear/not clear about · His ideas are good, but he's very unclear about how he's going to achieve them.unclear/not clear whether/what/why etc · It's not clear why Parks didn't go straight to the police.· It is unclear whether the she will agree to the new arrangements. ► ambiguous having more than one possible meaning and therefore confusing and unclear: · The document's ambiguous wording makes it very difficult to follow.deliberately ambiguous (=intended to be difficult to understand): · The last part of her letter was deliberately ambiguous. ► imprecise words or statements that are imprecise are unclear because they do not describe or explain something in an exact way when this is necessary: · Many of the terms used in this book are imprecise.· She gave me directions to the hotel, but they were, shall we say, somewhat imprecise. ► vague unclear, especially because not enough details are given: · There have been vague rumours of a coup.vague idea: · I only had a vague idea of where the place was.vague about: · He was rather vague about the reasons why he never finished school. ► confusing a confusing situation, story, explanation, etc is difficult to understand because there does not seem to be any clear pattern or order to it: · The kidnappers issued a series of confusing demands.· I found the book really confusing. I kept forgetting who the characters were.· Cricket can be a pretty confusing game for non-players. ► muddled/garbled if something that someone tells you is muddled or garbled , it is very unclear and confusing because they themselves have not really understood it very well: · I heard a garbled version of the story from one of my students.· Conroy made some muddled statement about how company policy has to be observed in these situations.· The old woman's directions were so garbled that I just rolled up the window and drove on. ► unintelligible unintelligible speech or writing is impossible to understand, for example because the words are not clear or it is written very badly: · Her note was practically unintelligible.· I liked the music but the lyrics were completely unintelligible. when it is not clear what is happening or why something happens► unclear/not clear · It is not clear why the disease affects some people and not others.· The circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear. ► confused a situation that is confused is difficult to understand because a lot of things are happening at the same time and you do not have enough information about it: · Newspaper reports give a rather confused picture of the state of the economy.· US policy towards China has always seemed mixed and confused.· The situation in the city centre is getting increasingly confused, and riot police have been told to stand by. to make something unclear► confuse to make a situation unclear by making it more complicated: · The instructions just confused me even more.· The Press Secretary gave a completely different version of events, which greatly confused the situation.confuse matters further (=make things more confused): · I think my explanation only confused matters further. ► blur to make the difference between two ideas or subjects unclear: · The difference between male and female roles within the house has become blurred.· The show blurs the difference between education and entertainment.· His novels tend to blur the distinctions between reality and fantasy. ► cloud/confuse the issue to make a subject or problem unclear by bringing in ideas, information, etc that are not really connected with it: · The Supreme Court's latest decision has only clouded the issue of gun control.· I'm talking about social problems. My opponent is just confusing the issue when he keeps referring to family values. clear and easy to see► clear · He had left clear footprints in the wet sand.· Even after two thousand years the writing is quite clear.· Most of the photos were very sharp and clear. ► distinct an object, line, or shape that is distinct is very clear so that you can easily see that it is separate from the things around it: · The sign's lettering was crisp and distinct.· As night fell, the outline of the mountain became less distinct. photographs/images/pictures► clear · High-definition television is amazing. The picture is so clear.· The images of Mars sent back by the Voyager satellite are amazingly clear. ► sharp very clear, especially because the edges of objects are very easy to see: · "Clear, sharp photos every time," the advertisement promised.· Lichtenstein's paintings are full of colours and sharp outlines - almost like children's comics. ► in focus photographs, films, or images that are in focus have been photographed or filmed from the correct distance or with the camera correctly set, so that everything in the pictures is clear: · Several of the photos weren't in focus.· Roy adjusted the TV set so that the picture was in sharper focus. not easy to see clearly► unclear/not clear · I'll try and read this, but the handwriting's pretty unclear.· The photos were not very clear. ► faint a picture, shape, image etc that is faint is unclear because it is a long way away, there is not enough light, or it was very lightly drawn: · There were a few faint pencil lines on the page.faint outline: · On the wall you could see the faint outline of where a picture had once hung. ► blurred unclear so that only the general shape can be seen, and not small details: · Without my glasses, anything more than a few feet away looks blurred.· All I have to remind me of Albert are a few letters and a blurred photo. ► fuzzy a photograph, television picture etc that is fuzzy is not clear, and it is difficult to see separate edges and objects, often because there is something wrong with your equipment or with the way the pictures were taken: · Police have only a fuzzy videotape of the bank robbery.· a fuzzy snapshot ► hazy a view that is hazy is not clear because there is a slight mist caused by heat, smoke etc: · The view to the west was hazy.hazy with: · The room was hazy with smoke. to not feel guilty about something► not feel guilty · I made her cry but I don't feel guilty -- she deserved it.not feel guilty about · Working mothers shouldn't feel guilty about wanting a career.· I don't understand how on earth he can go on lying like that and not feel guilty about it. ► a clear conscience if you have a clear conscience , you feel that you have not done anything wrong, so that you do not feel guilty about anything you have done: with a clear conscience: · You can face Lionel with a clear conscience -- you've done nothing to harm him.have a clear conscience: · Let them say whatever they like. I have a clear conscience. ► have no qualms if you have no qualms about doing something, you have no worries or doubts about whether what you are doing is right, even though other people may think it is wrong: have no qualms about: · She had no qualms about sending her young children to boarding school.· Donald had been stealing stationery from work for years and had no qualms about it at all. ► have/feel no compunction formal to not feel guilty about doing something, even though other people may think it is wrong: · I warn you. These people have no compunction whatsoever and cannot be trusted.have/feel no compunction about: · Eliot felt no compunction about living at the expense of his friends. to tell someone what you intend to do► make your intentions clear/known to let someone know what you intend to do, especially when you think that they do not expect it or will not like it: · The Senator has decided to run for president, and made his intentions known in a public statement Tuesday.· People who want to donate their organs after their deaths should make their intentions clear. ► put/lay your cards on the table informal to tell someone exactly what you intend to do, especially when you have kept it a secret before: · If they're willing to put all their cards on the table and negotiate, that's good.· If we want to reach an agreement, we'll have to lay all our cards on the table. very easy to notice or understand► obvious something that is obvious is very easy to notice or understand: · There is an obvious connection between the two murders.· "Why is she leaving?" "Well, it's obvious, isn't it?"it is obvious that: · It's obvious that something is wrong.· It was obvious from the start that my parents disliked Nancy.it is obvious to somebody: · It should be obvious to everyone that we need to make some changes.for obvious reasons (=when the reasons are so obvious that you do not need to say what they are): · For obvious reasons, we've had to cancel tonight's performance. ► clear if it is clear that something is true, it is easy to notice that it is true and you feel sure about it and have no doubts: it is clear that: · It was clear that Lesley was very upset by what had happened.it is clear to somebody: · It was clear to me that my father was dying.it becomes clear: · It soon became clear that there were not enough police officers to deal with the situation.· It became clear after talking to him that Andrew wasn't going to cooperate.clear evidence/example/sign etc: · There is clear evidence that certain diets reduce your chances of getting cancer.· clear signs of an economic recovery ► obviously/clearly use this to emphasize that it is easy to see that something is true: · We're obviously going to need more help.· Clearly, the situation is more complicated than we first thought.· The children were clearly upset.· Obviously, this guy's a complete fraud.· The language of the article clearly reveals the author's bias. ► can tell to know that something must be true because you can see signs that show this: can tell (that): · I can tell that Mark isn't happy here.· Even though it was dark, she could tell it was him.can tell if: · I can't tell if this is dirty or not. Can you?can tell by: · I could tell by the way she walked that her knee was still bothering her. ► it is easy to see if it is easy to see that something is true, it is very easy for anyone to notice or understand that fact: it is easy to see (that): · It's easy to see that he isn't well.· It was easy to see that Minna was embarrassed by her father's behaviour.it is easy to see how/why/what: · It's easy to see why this place is so popular. ► noticeable a noticeable difference, change, improvement etc is easy to notice: noticeable change: · The most noticeable change was in my younger brother, who had grown quite a bit and was now a third-grader.noticeable improvement: · There has been a noticeable improvement in Jeremy's behaviour lately.barely/hardly/scarcely noticeable (=almost not noticeable): · Stop worrying about your pimples; they're barely noticeable.it is noticeable that: · It was quite noticeable that everyone had been invited except for Gail. ► perceptible formal a perceptible difference, change, improvement etc can be noticed even though it is small: · The influence of Sartre is perceptible in Hogan's novel.perceptible change: · According to Reynolds, there has been a slight but perceptible change in public attitude lately.barely/scarcely/hardly perceptible (=almost not perceptible): · His lips curved in a barely perceptible smile.· When he asked if she wanted something to eat, she gave a barely perceptible nod. ► distinct/definite a distinct or definite possibility, feeling, quality etc is noticeable and cannot be ignored: distinct/definite possibility: · A civil war is a distinct possibility.· Food shortages are so severe that mass starvation is a definite possibility.distinct advantage: · Trigg's height should give him a distinct advantage in his match against Robinson.distinct impression: · I had the distinct impression that Rachel was displeased. ► apparent/evident obvious - used formally or in literature: · Even at the age of eight his musical talent was apparent.for no apparent reason (=without a clear reason): · Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, he turned his back and walked away.it is evident (from something) that: · From the look on Jill's face, it was evident that the news came as a complete shock.it became apparent/evident that: · It became evident that Lena wasn't going to be able to handle the project on her own.· After a few months, it became apparent that Vicky did not have a genuine interest in her job. ► conspicuous something or someone that is conspicuous is very easy to notice, because they are different from everything or everyone else around them: · Cuzco's few tourists are conspicuous as they explore the old cobbled streets.· Downtown business owners say they want the city's homeless shelter moved to a less conspicuous location. something you can see through► clear if water, air, or glass is clear , you can easily see through it: · The lake was so clear you could see the plants on the bottom.· On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji from Tokyo.· I only realised later that the clear liquid in the glass must have been vodka.crystal-clear (=use this to emphasize how clear something is): · The water was crystal-clear, edged by sparkling white sand. ► transparent use this about objects or materials that you can see through: · The box has a transparent plastic lid so you can see what's inside.· The boy's arms and hands were so thin they seemed almost transparent. ► see-through see-through clothes are made of thin material that you can see through: · a see-through blouse· She posed for 'Vogue' in a see-through black teddy. when something shows that something else is true► show to prove that something is true: · Her nervousness is shown by a tendency to laugh a lot in public.show (somebody) how/what/why etc: · It cost $5000 to repair the car -- that shows how bad the damage was!· It shows you what they think of their customers, if they can't even be bothered to answer your letter!show something/somebody to do something: · Caffeine has been shown to have a good effect on mental performance.show (that): · The evidence shows that this area was probably the site of a Roman settlement.· The polls clearly show that the voters are dissatisfied with the present government.it (just) goes to show (=use to emphasize that something proves that what you are saying is true): · It just goes to show that we can all learn from experience, whether we're 8 or 80. ► be a sign if an event or action is a sign of something else, it is one of the things that shows that something is probably true: be a sign of: · The public opposition to the airport is a sign of how much people's attitudes have changed.· A cluttered desk is a sign of a creative mind.be a sign that: · When a dog wags his tail, it's a sign that he's happy.be a sure/clear sign: · My mother pursed her lips, a sure sign of displeasure.take/view/see something as a sign that (=decide that it shows something): · When she didn't return my calls, I took it as a sign that she just wasn't interested. ► demonstrate formal to show very clearly that something is true - use this especially in official or technical contexts: · His commitment to the company is demonstrated by his work on the project.demonstrate how/why/whether etc: · Here are some examples that demonstrate how badly some students write their resumés.· The assessment center gives each applicant the opportunity to demonstrate whether they are suited to the work.demonstrate that: · I'm afraid this whole episode demonstrates that we have become less compassionate as a society. demonstrate (something) to somebody: · You've got to be able to demonstrate to people that the union can help in these cases. ► mean if an event or action means something, you can guess from it that something has happened or is true: · Cloudy water from the taps usually means problems with your storage tank.· A free economy does not mean the absence of any economic control. mean (that): · This sort of behaviour means that the child is definitely unhappy.· If A is false, does that also mean proposition B is false?must mean: · Her car's not there, so that must mean she's gone to pick him up. ► make clear to show very clearly that something is true: make it clear (that): · This new evidence makes it clear that Rourke was acting independently of the others.make it clear what/why/how etc: · The look in her eyes made it clear what she meant.make clear something: · The Unabomber's diary makes clear his loathing and contempt for society. ► reflect if something reflects a situation or fact, it is a result of that situation or fact and shows clearly that the situation or fact exists: · The three-year guarantee reflects the company's confidence in the quality of its products.· His fair, freckled skin and blue eyes reflect his Irish heritage.· This poll reflects what the Republicans of California are sensing. be reflected in: · The culture of a nation is always reflected in its language. ► illustrate to be an example which shows that a fact is true or that a situation exists: · As this story illustrates, some stars have become as bored as audiences by Hollywood extravagance.· This point can be illustrated by two brief examples.illustrate how/why/what: · The experiment illustrates how careful you have to be when interpreting results. ► tell if a situation, detail etc tells you something, it helps you to know, understand, or guess more about something: · What does this tell us about the experience of young immigrants to this country?tell somebody how many/much etc: · Unfortunately, the photographs can tell us very little about the potential for life on Mars.tell somebody that: · The research told us that many drug addicts were returning to heroin up to three years after the treatment. ► be evidence if a situation, detail, fact is evidence of a general situation, attitude, type of behaviour etc, it shows that it exists: be evidence of: · Changes in sexual laws in recent years are evidence of a gradual movement towards greater tolerance.be evidence that: · Journalists argue that being attacked by both sides is evidence that their coverage is fair.· This is clear evidence that the crime figures do not represent the true situation. ► reveal to show something that most people did not know or realize is true: · The way he spoke in the bar afterwards revealed prejudice and bitterness that I had never suspected.· Separate holidays and weekends apart reveal more clearly than any words the state of their marriage.reveal how/why/what etc: · The President's refusal to meet the press reveals just how serious the crisis is.· Positive tests have revealed why some athletes were so reluctant to co-operate.reveal that: · The fact that there are no black officers in the entire regiment reveals that the army is not serious about its anti-discrimination policies. something that you cannot be certain about► uncertain/not certain something that is uncertain , has not been definitely shown or decided: · The cause of the accident is uncertain.· Exactly how and when these plant species came to the Great Plains is not certain.it is uncertain whether/if: · It is still uncertain whether the conference will actually take place.it is uncertain how/why/when/that: · It's uncertain when the trial will begin.· It is not at all certain that Christopher Columbus was the first European to discover America. ► unclear/not clear a situation that is unclear , is one that people do not know enough or understand enough to be sure about it: · The causes of the dispute are not entirely clear.· At this hour, the fate of the passengers and crew is still unclear.it is unclear how/why/whether etc: · It isn't clear how the fire started.· It's not yet clear whether the disease is caused by a virus.· It was unclear when the two sides would meet again to discuss the budget.it is not clear that: · It's not clear that the problems with the new computer system have been worked out. ► be up in the air informal use this about something that is uncertain because a decision has not yet been made: · I might be going on a training course next week, but it's still up in the air.· They still haven't said if I've got the job -- it's all up in the air at the moment. ► there is uncertainty about/over something use this to say that people do not feel certain about what has happened or will happen, and are worried about it - used especially in newspapers and public speeches: · The Principal said there was uncertainty about the candidate's qualifications.· There is some uncertainty over where the refugees are going to be housed. easy to understand► easy to understand/follow · The instructions are easy to follow.· On cards are five easy to follow recipes for you to cut out and keep.· We try to write it in language that is easy to understand. ► clear instructions, explanations etc that are clear are explained in easy language or stages and are therefore easy to understand: · Most of the 'help' messages you get on computers aren't at all clear to ordinary home users.· Thanks for your directions to the apartment - they were really clear and we had no problems finding it.· Perhaps I didn't make myself clear - there won't be a penny of extra money for this project. ► comprehensible something that is comprehensible is easy to understand because it does not contain any complicated information and is expressed in very clear language: · Visual aids can make lessons much more interesting and comprehensible.· Each entry in the guide is brief and immediately comprehensible.comprehensible to: · The music was experimental, and not comprehensible to the average concert-goer. ► intelligible something that is intelligible , such as a subject you study or a piece of writing or speech, is fairly easy to understand: · Her English was strongly accented but quite intelligible.intelligible to: · It is sometimes difficult to discuss medical issues in a way that is intelligible to ordinary people. ► accessible books, films, information etc that are accessible are written or made in a way that is easy to understand even though they may concern subjects that are complicated: · Philip Glass has produced something very rare -- an accessible modern opera.· I don't find James Joyce's writing very accessible.accessible to: · He was specifically asked to write a play that would be accessible to the local community. ► coherent a piece of writing or speech that is coherent is easy to understand because it is clear and well-planned, so that all the parts fit well together: · I was so confused that I could not give a coherent answer.· Rescuers found Campbell, who was conscious and coherent.· History could be defined as a coherent account of an event. WORD SETS► Coloursamber, nounamethyst, nounapricot, nounaquamarine, nounashen, adjectiveauburn, adjectiveazure, adjectivebar, nounbarred, adjectivebeige, nounblack, adjectiveblack, nounblack, verbblack and white, adjectiveblacken, verbbleed, verbblood-red, adjectiveblue, adjectiveblue, nounbluish, adjectivebold, adjectivebottle green, nounbrassy, adjectivebrindled, adjectivebronze, nounbronze, adjectivebrown, adjectivebrown, nounbuff, nounburgundy, nouncarmine, nouncarroty, adjectivecerise, nouncerulean, nounchartreuse, nouncherry, nounchestnut, nounchestnut, adjectivechromatic, adjectivechrome yellow, nounclaret, nounclear, adjectivecoffee, nouncool, adjectivecopper, nouncoral, adjectivecream, adjectivecreamy, adjectivecrimson, adjectivecyan, adjectivedappled, adjectivedapple-grey, nounDay-Glo, adjectivediscoloration, noundiscolour, verbdrab, adjectivedull, adjectivedun, noundusky, adjectivedye, verbebony, adjectivefawn, adjectiveflaxen, adjectiveflesh-coloured, adjectiveflorid, adjectivefluorescent, adjectiveflush, nounfuchsia, noungarish, adjectivegarnet, noungaudy, adjectivegay, adjectiveginger, adjectivegold, noungold, adjectivegolden, adjectivegray, green, adjectivegreen, noungreenish, adjectivegrey, adjectivegrey, noungreyish, adjectivehazel, adjectiveindigo, nouniridescent, adjectiveivory, nounjade, nounjet-black, adjectivekhaki, nounlavender, nounleaden, adjectivelemon, nounlilac, nounlily-white, adjectivelime green, nounlivid, adjectiveloud, adjectiveluminous, adjectivelurid, adjectivemagenta, nounmagnolia, nounmahogany, nounmaroon, nounmatch, nounmauve, nounmellow, adjectivemellow, verbmonochrome, adjectivemousy, adjectivemuddy, adjectivemulticoloured, adjectivemustard, nounmuted, adjectivenavy blue, adjectiveneutral, adjectiveochre, nounoff-white, nounolive, nounopalescent, adjectiveorange, nounpale, adjectivepastel, nounpastel, adjectivepeach, nounpea green, nounpearly, adjectivepepper-and-salt, adjectivepink, adjectivepink, nounpinkish, adjectiveplum, nounplum, adjectivepowder blue, nounprimary colour, nounprimrose, nounprismatic, adjectivepuce, adjectivepure, adjectivepurple, nounpurplish, adjectivered, adjectivered, nounredden, verbreddish, adjectiveredhead, nounrestrained, adjectiverich, adjectiverose, nounrose, adjectiveroseate, adjectiverose-coloured, adjectiverosy, adjectiveroyal blue, nounruby, nounruddy, adjectiverusset, nounsable, adjectivesaffron, nounscarlet, adjectivesepia, nounshade, nounshocking pink, nounsienna, nounsilver, nounsilver, adjectivesilvery, adjectivesky-blue, adjectivesnow-white, adjectivesnowy, adjectivesoft, adjectivesombre, adjectivesteely, adjectivetaupe, nountawny, adjectiveteal, nountint, nountint, verbtone, nounturquoise, nountwo-tone, adjectiveultramarine, nounumber, nounvermilion, nounvibrant, adjectiveviolet, nounwarm, adjectivewaxen, adjectiveweak, adjectivewhite, adjectivewhite, nounwhiten, verbwhitish, adjectiveyellow, adjectiveyellow, nounyellow, verbyellowy, adjective COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs► make something clear Phrases· Children may have difficulty in making their feelings clear. ► get something clear (=understand something properly)· I was trying to get the idea clear in my mind. adverbs► absolutely/perfectly clear· His answer was perfectly clear. ► crystal clear (=extremely clear)· The instructions on the packet are crystal clear. ► abundantly clear formal (=extremely clear)· By July the scale of the problem had become abundantly clear. ► not entirely clear· Sam’s reasons for leaving were not entirely clear. nouns► a clear picture/idea (=a good understanding)· Some work experience should give you a clear idea of what the job involves. phrases► make it clear that· The tone of her voice made it clear that she was very angry. ► make yourself clear (=express yourself in a way that is easy to understand)· Please tell me if I’m not making myself clear. ► be far from clear/be by no means clear (=be very unclear)· The directions she gave me were far from clear. COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► made ... abundantly clear She’d made her feelings towards him abundantly clear. ► a clear account· I’ve tried to write a clear account of the incident. ► clear air· I looked up to the stars in the clear night air. ► give (somebody)/get the all clear We’ve got the all clear for the new project. ► clear ... backlog It’s going to take us months to clear the backlog. ► a clearing bank (=one of the banks in Britain that uses a clearing house when dealing with other banks)· large commercial customers of the clearing banks ► had a clear-out I had a clear-out and got rid of a lot of old toys. ► clouds clear/lift (=disappear)· At last the rain had stopped and the clouds had cleared. ► clear complexion (=without any spots)· Eating fresh fruit and vegetables will help keep your complexion clear. ► clear and concise Your summary should be as clear and concise as possible. ► clear up the confusion (=explain something more clearly)· The chairman said that he would try to clear up the confusion. ► a clear/obvious connection· There is an obvious connection between this painting and his earlier works. ► a clear conscience (=the knowledge that you have done nothing wrong)· I was able to answer his questions with a clear conscience. ► have a clear/guilty etc conscience· Does he have a guilty conscience about his role in the crime? ► clear consensus (=one that people agree on and understand)· There was no clear consensus about the future direction of the company. ► a clear/obvious contrast· There was a clear contrast between the father and the son. ► a clear/obvious correlation· There is a clear correlation between carbon dioxide emissions and global warming. ► a court clears/acquits somebody (=says that they are not guilty)· A US court cleared him of bribery allegations. ► clear your debts (=repay all of them)· It took him three years to clear his bank debts. ► a clear/firm decision (=a definite one)· It's now time to come to a clear decision on this. ► clear/precise definition· The head teacher gave us a precise definition of the school’s aims. ► clear description· He gave us a clear description of the situation in the city. ► clear your desk (=remove all the papers etc from it)· It's a good idea to clear your desk regularly. ► clear/perfect/good etc diction She had perfect diction. ► clear/good direction· His directions were very clear and easy to follow. ► a clear distinction· The legal system makes a clear distinction between adults and children. ► good/clear/strong evidence· There is clear evidence that smoking causes heart disease. ► clear a forest (=cut down and remove the trees)· Huge areas of forest have been cleared since 1960. ► be a clear/dead giveaway (=make it very easy to guess something) He’d been smoking dope; his glazed eyes were a dead giveaway. ► clear glass (=that you can see through rather than being coloured)· The drink comes in clear glass bottles. ► clear/strict guidelines Today most planning authorities enforce fairly strict guidelines on new houses. ► neat/clear handwriting· Your handwriting is much neater than mine. ► overcome/clear/get over etc a hurdle (=deal successfully with a problem) ► clear a hurdle (=successfully jump over a hurdle) ► a clear/vivid impression· He had the clear impression that most people were in favour of the idea. ► an infection clears up (=goes away)· Although the infection cleared up, he still felt weak. ► clear instruction· The instructions that I got with the phone weren’t very clear. ► jump clear (of something) (=jump out of danger) We managed to jump clear of the car before it hit the wall. ► cleared ... the jumps Her horse cleared all the jumps in the first round. ► a clear lead· The ruling Labour Party has a clear lead in the opinion polls. ► an absolute/outright/clear majority (=a majority that has been won by more than half the votes)· There was no party with an absolute majority in the House of Commons. ► made it clear The president has made it clear that he is not going to change his mind. ► a clear mandate· The vote gave the trade union a clear mandate to pursue a better settlement. ► a clear memory· I have a clear memory of the first time I met David. ► clear/clean up the mess Whoever is responsible for this mess can clear it up immediately! ► the mist clears/lifts (=goes away)· The mountains suddenly appeared as the mist lifted. ► clear up/correct a misunderstanding (=get rid of a misunderstanding)· I want to talk to you, to try and clear up any misunderstandings. ► a clear motive· She had no clear motive to lie. ► clear your name (=prove that you have not done something bad or illegal)· She was determined to clear her name. ► a real/clear need (=one that really exists)· There is a real need for after-school care in our area. ► a clear objective· A manager must give his team clear objectives to work towards. ► a clear/sharp outline· Peeling off the tape after the paint has dried leaves a clear outline to the shapes. ► painfully obvious/clear/evident/apparent It was painfully obvious he’d rather not see her again. ► a clear patch· Clear patches of brilliant blue sky appeared briefly through the white storm clouds. ► a clear/good picture· He still didn’t have a clear picture of what had happened. ► a clear policy· There was no clear policy on this matter. ► a clear preference· There was a clear preference amongst the staff for this style of leadership. ► clear proof· His indecision is clear proof of his inability to handle the situation. ► a clear recommendation· The report offered no clear recommendations or policy guidelines. ► clear road (=with no traffic or nothing blocking it)· Before you overtake, make sure the road is clear. ► a clear/obvious/unmistakable sign· There are clear signs of a slowdown in economic growth. ► a clear/strong signal· My body was giving me a clear signal that something was wrong. ► good/healthy/clear skin (=smooth and without any red spots)· Vitamin E helps keep your skin healthy. ► bright/clear/cloudless sky (=without clouds)· The sun rose higher in the cloudless sky. ► the sky clears (=the clouds disappear)· By dawn the sky had cleared. ► smoke clears (=disappears)· The kitchen door was still open, and inside the smoke was clearing. ► clear/make a space· Jack cleared a space for his newspaper on the table. ► stand clear of something British English (=step away from something in order to be safe) Stand clear of the doors, please. ► a clear statement (=giving an opinion clearly)· The article was a clear statement of his beliefs. ► a clear/coherent strategy· It is important that the company has a clear strategy. ► clear the table (=take plates etc off)· Do you want me to clear the table? ► clear/logical thinking· Above 24,000 feet, the lack of oxygen makes clear thinking almost impossible. ► a clear understanding· Before you begin, it is vital that you have a clear understanding of what you want to achieve. ► a clear violation· This is a clear violation of privacy rights. ► clear your vision· She blinked to clear her vision. ► a clear voice· Natalia’s clear voice rang out. COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB► absolutely· The precise relationship between these two meanings of unreasonable is not absolutely clear.· This statement should be absolutely clear in the minds of everyone concerned.· This makes it absolutely clear that the early road and the drains belong in a mid to late second-century context.· Our own door gunners were not allowed to fire unless they saw an absolutely clear target.· What is absolutely clear is that the three prisoners have themselves vehemently protested their innocence from day one.· Her hair is pure white, her face covered with spidery lines, but her eyes are absolutely clear, sparkling.· Mr. Allan Stewart I can make the position absolutely clear.· It was absolutely clear to me he was in no danger. ► abundantly· If modern psychology has done one thing, it has surely made this fact abundantly clear.· One other point about the two union leaders was abundantly clear.· It makes it abundantly clear that even the possession and academic presentation of information necessary for an ethnography could be actionable.· This is made abundantly clear at our first impromptu committee meeting in the bar of the Gardener's Arms.· To would-be revolutionaries it was becoming abundantly clear that their central problem was lack of contact with the masses.· But that act has more to do with the future than the present, as chapter 23 will make abundantly clear.· He didn't believe her, as he made abundantly clear by looking contemptuously down his straight nose at her. ► less· A comparison of new season whole hops to hop oils, is, however, less clear cut.· Subsequent studies have come to less clear conclusions, and a few scientists believe that the monkey results are explained by chance.· What is less clear is whether they were cut in Kent or imported ready cut.· The letter to Mr. Purkayastha is less clear.· The pattern is less clear and less consistent for Latino students.· The law regarding mandamus was less clear.· In the textile districts the position was less clear. ► quite· Sebastian was not quite clear about his own job intentions at this stage, nor did he have to be so.· It was by this time not quite clear exactly which lands in the Company's possession related to the original bequest.· Fortunately the situation is quite clear.· It's quite clear that the influence of soul music in pop has become poisonous, repressive, grey and total.· Our constitutional rules and regulations are quite clear and not to be infringed.· It's quite clear which is which in Burke's Peerage.· This becomes quite clear in some of the significant details of Schleiermacher's account.· The company makes it quite clear that giving younger people career opportunities may mean moving older employees down the status ladder. ► so· As you near the village of Kentmere the beauty of the Lake District becomes so clear.· Just where all these so-called residential geese came from is not so clear.· I almost turned round, so clear was the tone, so near.· But in some states, the law is not so clear.· But though the mind pictures were so clear, there was nothing more.· What actually disturbed him is not so clear.· Finally, the case being so clear, a recommendation was made to proceed immediately with Stevenage.· It requires that we critically examine a beliefs rooted in our understanding of Scripture that previously seemed so clear. ► very· He made it very clear he would like to kill police officers.· His style of conducting is very clear, yet also spontaneous.· It was a very clear day and we could see a long way.· I did want to be very clear and a lot more focused in what I was saying.· After the 1987 election Mrs Thatcher can claim to have a very clear mandate.· Industrial ReD in the public sector is a relatively new phenomenon and the expectations from it are not very clear.· But now the truth was very clear.· But also, jobs is very clear about the future state. NOUN► case· At the very least a clear case is owed a clear explanation if it is rejected.· Firestone's view of gender relations as determined by reproduction is the clearest case.· It was a clear case of personal patronage, but he was to remain executive head for thirty-three years.· And a clear case of life imitating astrology.· The only clear case where this strategy succeeded was when Thatcher introduced the SinnFéin broadcasting ban.· Nevertheless there is a clear case for its practice in public libraries, and even in university provision for undergraduates.· The record of Ricci's behaviour is, to our knowledge, the first clear case of teaching in any non-human animal. ► conscience· Now they could dance with a clear conscience.· He feigned a teasing laugh, a clear conscience.· And who has a clear conscience?· Sophie and the child will be taken care of, and because of that I can live with a clear conscience.· Maybe not even cynical, maybe just female practicality which can stoop with clearest conscience below the level of the lowest stratagem.· But at any rate I can finally dust my hands and put my jacket on with a clear conscience.· Lawn owners have good reason for keeping clear consciences and generally living each day as through it were their last.· I am convinced that only my genuinely clear conscience let me convince the adults around me that I was totally innocent. ► distinction· For women, the social customs do not seem to permit such a clear distinction between work and leisure.· For there is a clear distinction between tolerating dissent and propagating it.· It asserts that there is a clear distinction between the two kinds of statement and that there is no third kind.· In other words, there is a clear distinction between application logic and the computer representation of that logic.· There is now a clear distinction between two strands of modern elite theory.· The clear distinction between the old and modern lacquers also offers hope of a means of identifying fakes.· Is there in fact such a clear distinction to be maintained between civil association or societas and enterprise association or universitas?· There appears to be a clear distinction between the causes of uplift on the western and eastern sides of the central Andes. ► evidence· There is no clear evidence that the Wilson-Mitchell partnership survived for long.· By this he gives clear evidence of his innate greatness of soul.· The clearest evidence for this is the dearth of people keen to work with frail older people.· There is clear evidence of how much people on the estate need their buses.· There is no clear evidence of strong prejudice among young-old people against their elders in Britain.· The low circulation and poor distribution of leading literary journals provide clear evidence of the élitist character of the cultured few.· There is clear evidence of localization of function in the cortex.· There is no clear evidence that women receive massively more favourable treatment from the police or the courts. ► example· Rothenbuhler's experiments on the hygienic behaviour of bees provides a very clear example of the genetic control of behaviour.· Section 16 is a clear example and functions almost as an exclamation point to the first 15 sections.· Two of the clearest examples are to be seen in the courses followed by Gerry Healy and Michel Pablo and their followers.· This seems a clear example of his allegiance to popular dissent against the Church and social elite who supported the Restoration.· Here is a clear example of a rare rock type that has been strongly concentrated by lunar geological activity.· A clear example of a mutation altering development is the inherited genetic defect, sickle cell anaemia.· The clearest example of an incompetent teacher is one who lacks knowledge about the subject he or she is supposed to teach. ► idea· She had no clear idea of what a mortgage was.· Only the proprietor of the six left in the room had a clear idea of what the concept meant.· Gates had always had a clear idea of what he wanted to be: the prime software supplier to the world.· Yet very few businesses have any clear idea of what crime is actually costing them.· I mean have you got a clear idea of the relationship between the so-called Author and his character.· I have very clear ideas about dressing gowns.· Sutcliffe's data show that these speakers have a very clear idea of what, for them, constitutes a basilectal utterance. ► indication· There had to be very clear indications of joint working.· Perhaps the clearest indication of this was the difficulty he encountered in filling the job of finance minister in his new cabinet.· This is an extensive site with clear indications of buildings and levelled platforms.· The failure to win additional numbers for the expansion we have achieved is a clear indication of that movement.· Resentment of this magnitude was a clear indication of the failure of the avowed policy of pacification and Romanization.· Some of the clearest indications of Anderson's vagueness occur at the level of topic-control.· This is a clear indication of a central principle of planning for Cramlington.· Perhaps the clearest indication of the quality of the One Key series is given by the documentation. ► majority· As was noted earlier, elections in Northern Ireland itself have always produced clear majorities in favour of Unionist government.· A clear majority of the nine students wore Nikes.· For all that, observers are unanimous that Swapo will emerge with a clear majority.· It will be a clear majority when the century turns.· Join Congress, Mr Gandhi seemed to be saying, and create a party strong enough to have a clear majority.· For the first time in decades, the 500-seat Chamber is without a clear majority.· The Opposition has agreed to abstain, which means the Government will win a clear majority.· In each case a clear majority of Republican voters rejected him. ► objective· For a politician to have a clear objective is to offer hostages to his opponents.· The teams are performing as self managed units although the manager will agree clear objectives with the team.· Teachers and students will appreciate the clear objectives and simple layout.· A clear objective was set and adhered to: recapture the islands.· The right of employers and employees to be aware of clear objectives and detailed targets for training performance.· Indeed, the concept of success could scarcely apply since it worked to no clear objectives.· If purposeful, goal-directed activity is to take place, clear objectives need to be set for all the organisation's activities.· Finally, the purpose of this section has been to help teachers write clear objectives. ► picture· When these figures are carefully decoded, a remarkably clear picture of the whole military organization emerges.· Attempts to gain a clearer picture of this boundary layer floundered for several decades.· A team at University College, London, produced the first clear pictures of interiors, using microchips as the specimens.· The spate of incidents may provide a clearer picture of changes that might be needed in those regulations.· Our purpose is to establish a clear picture of events that took place during the mission to Rakhat.· At last, a clear picture of music lovers and lovers.· Some achievements Against this background, the evaluators found it difficult to establish a clear picture of exactly what the panel achieved.· I need you to paint me a clear picture of the changes you expect to see three months down the road. ► sign· The smaller bones from the feet showed no clear signs of alteration.· And why do chronic drinkers seem to show clear signs of cognitive dysfunction?· It had recently withdrawn the ice-breaker Endurance, generally taken as a clear sign of retreat.· Despite clear signs of weakness in his support, Sen.· They talked to each other again, and then the first horse made clear signs for me to follow him.· During Period 4, the infant shows clear signs of event anticipation.· Heseltine watchers could have wished for no clearer sign of his leadership intentions.· There are clear signs that the process is already well advanced. ► signal· However, they still had no luck as, here again, there was no clear signal.· But his arrest is not a clear signal that the opposite is true.· And the Bush administration is sending clear signals that it would welcome such a deal.· The peer group gives out clear signals to its members both about style and about fundamental values and perspectives.· The above discussion suggests that, when needed, clear signals of information status can be employed in written language. ► sky· She looked up at the clear sky.· The days were hot, filled with relentless sunshine and clear skies.· Endlessly clear skies and lowering water tables.· At a great distance, the ghostly frost of a snow peak seemed suspended from the clear sky.· They had been so lucky with the weather; a clear sky, and a soft breeze that kept everyone comfortable.· A flat-calm water, clear sky and a bright quarter moon are not the sort of conditions we associate with good catches.· Away from the haze and lights of the city, bright stars fill the spectacularly clear sky. ► understanding· Is there a clear understanding of joint and individual areas of responsibility of headteacher and governors?· This requires a clear understanding of the cellular and biochemical process of wound healing and the mechanisms of individual types of injury.· Equally, it is important that a searcher should have a clear understanding of indexing methods.· A clear understanding of the task by the partner and/or manager is a prerequisite for good communication.· Vital to such decisions is a clear understanding of system functions, failure modes and the consequences of failure.· Meanwhile parents like Gwen Watkins just want their voice to be heard and a clearer understanding of a tragic chain of deaths.· They can give the same information as the text, giving the reader two opportunities of gaining clear understanding.· Practitioners need a clear understanding of the processes by which social inequalities of various forms are derived from prejudicial and stereotypical attitudes. ► view· But I had a clear view of the table last night, and it wasn't there.· Cameras offer no clear view of what is going on in the background.· He moved slowly and cautiously, and kept his hands in clear view.· Federal guidelines require that tower personnel clearing aircraft for arrivals and departures have clear views of runways below them.· By the time the enquiry and analysis stage is concluded, relatively clear views are formed as to where best practice exists.· For it to work, the unit needs a clear view of the sky.· Gain attention first, make sure there is a clear view of your face.· Primo briefly has a clear view of the menu, written on paper plates taped to the quilted-tin wall. ► vision· Namely, clear vision for the driver, whatever the conditions.· But the history of New York development shows how haphazard such controls can be if there is no such clear vision.· That view may be interpreted as a piece of self-delusion, or as a clear vision.· They are able to do this be-cause they start out with a clear vision of where they want to go.· My brain is filled full of vague images, but no clear vision of one necessary thing.· The ring is virtually invisible around the central cornea which is the critical area for clear vision.· Put simply, polarisation works like a venetian blind to cut reflection from above and below yet still allow clear vision.· We have to keep dragging ourselves to our feet to peek out again and again, until we have a clear vision. PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► a clear conscience Word family
WORD FAMILYnounclarityclearanceclearingclarificationclearnessverbclearclarifyadverbclearclearlyadjectiveclear ≠ unclear 1easy to understand expressed in a simple and direct way so that people understand → clarity, clearly: clear instructions The question wasn’t very clear. It’s the clearest guide I’ve used.clear about The school is clear about its policy on bullying.clear about what/when/how etc Be very clear about what jobs should be completed, and by when.clear on The rules are quite clear on the point.clear to It was clear to him that Tolkien was a literary genius.make something clear The bishop made his views clear in a letter to the publisher. How can you make the meaning clearer?make it clear that Make it clear that you will not take sides.absolutely/abundantly clear Can I make it absolutely clear that we did not intend this to happen? Perhaps I tried to cover too much and didn’t make myself clear (=express myself well). If you don’t understand, it’s best to say so and get things clear. If I catch you smoking again, you’re grounded. Do I make myself clear? (=used when you are angry)clear picture/idea (=a good understanding) The report gave a clear picture of the property’s condition. He writes crystal clear (=very easy to understand) prose.2impossible to doubt impossible to doubt, question, or make a mistake about → clearly: clear evidence of guilt They won by a clear majority.it is clear whether/why/how etc It’s not clear whether he shares her views.it is clear (that) It’s clear that the drug does benefit some patients. When it became clear that I was pregnant, he left me.clear case/example of something a clear case of sexual discrimination► see thesaurus at obvious3sure about something feeling certain that you know or understand something → clearlyclear about/on Are you all clear now about what you have to do?clear whether/what/how etc I’m still not really clear how this machine works. Let me get this clear – you hadn’t seen her in three days? a clearer understanding of the issues4thinking able to think sensibly and quickly → clarity, clearly: She felt that her thinking was clearer now. In the morning, with a clear head, she’d tackle the problem.5substance/liquid easy to see through, rather than coloured or dirty SYN transparent OPP cloudy, opaque: clear glass bottles a crystal clear mountain lake6weather clean and fresh, without clouds or mist: a clear June morning The skies were clear and blue.7eyes healthy, very pure in colour, and without any redness: clear blue eyes8skin smooth and without any red spots: a clear complexion9easy to see having details, edges, lines etc that are easy to see, or shapes that are easy to recognize → clarity: a TV with a clear picture and high-quality sound10easy to hear easy to hear, and therefore easy to understand → clarity, clearly: a clear speaking voice The radio reception isn’t very clear. It’s a good recording; the sound is as clear as a bell (=very clear).11after tax a clear amount of profit, wages etc is what is left after taxes have been paid on it SYN net: I get £200 a week clear. Sam makes a clear $90,000 per year.12a clear conscience the knowledge that you have done the right thing and should not feel guilty: I don’t think I could vote for him with a clear conscience. She had done what she could and her conscience was clear.13period of time without any planned activities or events: Next Monday is clear; how about ten o'clock?14not busy complete or whole: Allow three clear days for delivery.15not blocked/covered not covered or blocked by anything that stops you from doing or seeing what you want: The roads were fairly clear this morning.clear view/look From the top floor you get a clear view of the bay.clear of To prevent fires, the sides of the roads are kept clear of underbrush.16see your way clear (to doing something) informal to have the necessary time or willingness to be able to do something: We expect good results soon, if the board can see its way clear to continuing funding the project.17be clear of something to not be touching something, or to be past someone or something: Wait to cross until the street is clear of cars. The curtains should be a couple of inches clear of the floor.18as clear as mud spoken used humorously to say that something is very difficult to understand—clearness noun [uncountable] → all clear, → the coast is clear at coast1(2)COLLOCATIONSverbsmake something clear· Children may have difficulty in making their feelings clear.get something clear (=understand something properly)· I was trying to get the idea clear in my mind.adverbsabsolutely/perfectly clear· His answer was perfectly clear.crystal clear (=extremely clear)· The instructions on the packet are crystal clear.abundantly clear formal (=extremely clear)· By July the scale of the problem had become abundantly clear.not entirely clear· Sam’s reasons for leaving were not entirely clear.nounsa clear picture/idea (=a good understanding)· Some work experience should give you a clear idea of what the job involves.phrasesmake it clear that· The tone of her voice made it clear that she was very angry.make yourself clear (=express yourself in a way that is easy to understand)· Please tell me if I’m not making myself clear.be far from clear/be by no means clear (=be very unclear)· The directions she gave me were far from clear.THESAURUS– Meaning 5easy to see throughclear easy to see through, rather than coloured or dirty: · The table top is a piece of clear glass.· a clear liquid· The water was so clear that you could see down to the bottom of the lake.transparent clear – used especially about materials and solid things. Transparent is a little more formal than clear: · Fill a transparent plastic bottle with water.· a piece of transparent film· Melt 2 ounces of butter in a large frying pan, and cook the onions until they are almost transparent.see-through made of a very thin material that you can see through – used especially about women’s clothes: · She wore a black see-through dress.limpid literary clear – used especially about water or other liquids . This is a very formal word which is used in novels and literature: · limpid pools· She gave her a golden flask of limpid olive oil.difficult to see throughopaque difficult to see through: · The shower has an opaque glass door. |
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