Clarity vs. Clear — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 27, 2024
Clarity refers to the quality of being clear, understandable, or transparent in thought, expression, or imagery; while "clear" is an adjective or verb relating to the state or action of being free from obscurity, ambiguity, or unwanted items.
Difference Between Clarity and Clear
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Clarity is a noun that describes the quality or state of being clear, either in the physical sense of transparency or in the metaphorical sense of understandability. It is often used to refer to the way ideas, sounds, or images are expressed or perceived, emphasizing their ease of understanding or perceptual sharpness. On the other hand, "clear" can function as both an adjective and a verb, describing something that is unobstructed, understandable, or free of any encumbrance when used as an adjective, and the act of removing obstructions or making something evident when used as a verb.
When discussing communication, clarity is the attribute of being easily understood and free of ambiguity, highlighting the importance of effective expression for comprehension. "Clear," in this context, would be used to describe a piece of communication that possesses this attribute, or the action of making it so. For example, an explanation can have clarity, or a speaker can make an explanation clear.
In visual terms, clarity can describe the sharpness or distinctness of an image, where details are easily discernible. Conversely, a clear image is one that is not blurred or obscured, suggesting that the term "clear" focuses on the absence of visual impediments, while clarity emphasizes the quality of being sharply defined.
Clarity in thought or concepts is about the precision and coherence of ideas, making them easily graspable by others. A clear thought or concept is one that is unambiguous and directly comprehensible, pointing to the directness of understanding as opposed to the overall quality or state of being understandable.
While clarity is a quality that something possesses, making it inherently clear, the process of becoming clear or the state of being clear can involve actions such as clarifying, cleaning, or explaining. This distinction illustrates how "clear" can be dynamic, involving change or action, whereas clarity is more static, denoting a condition or quality.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective/Verb
Definition
The quality of being clear in thought, expression, or imagery.
Free from obscurity, ambiguity, or unwanted items (adj.); to remove obstructions or make evident (verb).
Usage in Communication
Refers to how easily ideas are understood or perceived.
Describes communications that are understandable or the act of making them so.
Visual Context
Describes the sharpness or distinctness of an image.
Used to describe images that are not blurred or obscured.
Conceptual Use
The precision and coherence of ideas.
Directness and comprehensibility of ideas or thoughts.
Dynamic vs. Static
Denotes a quality or condition.
Can involve action or change (making something clear).
Compare with Definitions
Clarity
Clarity in instructions prevents misunderstandings.
The clarity in her instructions ensured the project's success.
Clear
To clear the table after meals is common courtesy.
He helped clear the table, making room for dessert.
Clarity
Clarity in writing makes complex ideas accessible.
The author's clarity made the scientific concepts easy to grasp.
Clear
Clear instructions facilitate efficiency.
Clear instructions helped them complete the task without errors.
Clarity
Visual clarity enhances the impact of photographs.
The clarity of the photograph captured every detail vividly.
Clear
A clear conscience results from doing right.
She slept well, her conscience clear after resolving the misunderstanding.
Clarity
Clarity of speech is essential for effective communication.
His clarity of speech won him the debate.
Clear
A clear sky promises a sunny day.
The forecast predicts clear skies all week.
Clarity
The clarity of a diamond determines its value.
The diamond's clarity was flawless, reflecting its high quality.
Clear
Glass is prized for its clear quality.
The clear glass vase showcased the flowers beautifully.
Clarity
The quality of being coherent and intelligible
For the sake of clarity, each of these strategies is dealt with separately
Clear
Easy to perceive, understand, or interpret
Am I making myself clear?
Her handwriting was clear
Clear and precise directions
Clarity
The quality of transparency or purity
The crystal clarity of water
Clear
(of a substance) transparent; unclouded
The clear glass of the French windows
A stream of clear water
Clarity
Clearness of appearance
The clarity of the mountain air.
Clear
Free of any obstructions or unwanted objects
With a clear road ahead he shifted into high gear
I had a clear view in both directions
Clarity
Clearness of thought or style; lucidity
Writes with clarity and perception.
Clear
Not touching; away from
The lorry was wedged in the ditch, one wheel clear of the ground
Clarity
The state or measure of being clear, either in appearance, thought or style; lucidity.
She dreamed with great clarity.
The brilliant clarity of his argument could not be faulted.
Clear
Complete; full
You must give seven clear days' notice of the meeting
Clarity
The ability to be easily understood.
Lack of clarity on the part of the teacher will cause confusion among the students.
Clear
Denoting a palatalized form of the sound of the letter l (as in leaf in most accents of English).
Clarity
Clearness; brightness; splendor.
Floods, in whose more than crystal clarity,Innumerable virgin graces row.
Clear
So as to be out of the way of or away from
He leapt clear of the car
Stand clear, I'll start the plane up
Clarity
Free from obscurity and easy to understand; the comprehensibility of clear expression
Clear
Completely
He had time to get clear away
Clarity
The quality of clear water;
When she awoke the clarity was back in her eyes
Clear
Remove an obstruction or unwanted item or items from
Carolyn cleared the table and washed up
The drive had been cleared of snow
Clear
Remove (an obstruction or unwanted item) from somewhere
Karen cleared the dirty plates
Park staff cleared away dead trees
Clear
Get past or over (something) safely or without touching it
The plane rose high enough to clear the trees
She cleared 1.50 metres in the high jump
Clear
Officially show or declare (someone) to be innocent
His sport's ruling body had cleared him of cheating
Clear
Give official approval or authorization to
I cleared him to return to his squadron
Clear
Earn or gain (an amount of money) as a net profit
I would hope to clear £50,000 profit from each match
Clear
Free from clouds, mist, or haze
A clear day.
Clear
Not obscured or darkened; bright
Clear daylight.
A clear yellow.
Clear
Easily seen through; transparent
Clear water.
Clear
Free from flaw, blemish, or impurity
A clear, perfect diamond.
A clear record with the police.
Clear
Free from impediment, obstruction, or hindrance; open
A clear view.
A clear path to victory.
Clear
Plain or evident to the mind; unmistakable
A clear case of cheating.
Clear
Easily perceptible to the eye or ear; distinct
The clear call of a songbird.
Clear
Discerning or perceiving easily; keen
A clear mind.
Clear
Free from doubt or confusion; certain
His meaning is clear.
Clear
Free from qualification or limitation; absolute
A clear winner.
Clear
Free from guilt; untroubled
A clear conscience.
Clear
Having been freed from contact, proximity, or connection
At last we were clear of the danger. The ship was clear of the reef.
Clear
Free from charges or deductions; net
A clear profit.
Clear
Containing nothing
The ship's hold was clear.
Clear
Distinctly; clearly
Spoke loud and clear.
Clear
Out of the way; completely away
Stood clear of the doors.
Clear
(Informal) All the way; completely
Slept clear through the night.
Read the book clear to the end.
Clear
To make light, clear, or bright
The wind cleared the sky of clouds.
Clear
To rid of impurities, blemishes, muddiness, or foreign matter
The new filter cleared the water.
Clear
To free from confusion, doubt, or ambiguity; make plain or intelligible
Cleared up the question of responsibility.
Clear
To rid of objects or obstructions
Clear the table.
Clear the road of debris.
Clear
To make (a way or clearing) by removing obstructions
Clear a path through the jungle.
Clear
To remove (objects or obstructions)
Clear the dishes.
Clear snow from the road.
Clear
To remove the occupants of
Clear the theater.
Clear
To remove (people)
Clear the children from the room.
Clear
To move or shoot (a ball or puck) away from the goal or out of the defensive zone.
Clear
To clear a ball or puck out of (the defensive zone), as in lacrosse or hockey.
Clear
To rid (a memory location or buffer, for example) of instructions or data.
Clear
To remove (instructions or data) from memory.
Clear
To free from a legal charge or imputation of guilt; acquit
Cleared the suspect of the murder charge.
Clear
To pass by, under, or over without contact
The boat cleared the dock.
Clear
To settle (a debt).
Clear
To gain (a given amount) as net profit or earnings.
Clear
To pass (a bill of exchange, such as a check) through a clearing-house.
Clear
To secure the approval of
The bill cleared the Senate.
Clear
To authorize or approve
Cleared the material for publication.
Clear
To free (a ship or cargo) from legal detention at a harbor by fulfilling customs and harbor requirements.
Clear
To give clearance or authorization to
Cleared the plane to land.
Clear
To free (the throat) of phlegm by making a rasping sound.
Clear
To become clear
The sky cleared.
Clear
To go away; disappear
The fog cleared.
Clear
To exchange checks and bills or settle accounts through a clearing-house.
Clear
To pass through the banking system and be debited and credited to the relevant accounts
The check cleared.
Clear
To comply with customs and harbor requirements in discharging a cargo or in leaving or entering a port.
Clear
A clear or open space.
Clear
Transparent in colour.
As clear as crystal
Clear
Bright; luminous; not dark or obscured.
The windshield was clear and clean.
Congress passed the President’s Clear Skies legislation.
Clear
Free of obstacles.
The driver had mistakenly thought the intersection was clear.
The coast is clear.
Clear
Without clouds.
Clear weather; a clear day
Clear
(meteorology) Of the sky, such that less than one eighth of its area is obscured by clouds.
Clear
Free of ambiguity or doubt.
He gave clear instructions not to bother him at work.
Do I make myself clear? Crystal clear.
I'm still not quite clear on what some of these words mean.
Clear
Distinct, sharp, well-marked.
Clear
(figuratively) Free of guilt, or suspicion.
A clear conscience
Clear
(of a soup) Without a thickening ingredient.
Clear
Possessing little or no perceptible stimulus.
Clear of texture; clear of odor
Clear
(Scientology) Free from the influence of engrams; see Clear (Scientology).
Clear
Able to perceive clearly; keen; acute; penetrating; discriminating.
A clear intellect; a clear head
Clear
Not clouded with passion; serene; cheerful.
Clear
Easily or distinctly heard; audible.
Clear
Unmixed; entirely pure.
Clear sand
Clear
Without defects or blemishes, such as freckles or knots.
A clear complexion; clear lumber
Clear
Without diminution; in full; net.
A clear profit
Clear
Showing a green aspect, allowing a train to proceed past it.
Clear
All the way; entirely.
I threw it clear across the river to the other side.
Clear
Not near something or touching it.
Stand clear of the rails, a train is coming.
Clear
Free (or separate) from others.
Clear
In a clear manner; plainly.
Clear
(transitive) To remove obstructions, impediments or other unwanted items from.
Police took two hours to clear the road.
If you clear the table, I'll wash up.
Clear
(transitive) To remove (items or material) so as to leave something unobstructed or open.
Please clear all this stuff off the table.
The loggers came and cleared the trees.
Clear
(intransitive) To leave abruptly; to clear off or clear out.
Clear
(intransitive) To become free from obstruction or obscurement; to become transparent.
When the road cleared we continued our journey.
After a heavy rain, the sky cleared nicely for the evening.
Shake the test tube well, and the liquid should slowly clear.
Clear
(transitive) To eliminate ambiguity or doubt from (a matter); to clarify or resolve; to clear up.
We need to clear this issue once and for all.
Clear
(transitive) To remove from suspicion, especially of having committed a crime.
The court cleared the man of murder.
Clear
(transitive) To pass without interference; to miss.
The door just barely clears the table as it closes.
The leaping horse easily cleared the hurdles.
Clear
To exceed a stated mark.
She was the first female high jumper to clear two metres.
Clear
To finish or complete (a stage, challenge, or game).
I cleared the first level in 36 seconds.
Clear
(intransitive) Of a check or financial transaction, to go through as payment; to be processed so that the money is transferred.
The check might not clear for a couple of days.
Clear
To earn a profit of; to net.
He's been clearing seven thousand a week.
Clear
(transitive) To approve or authorise for a particular purpose or action; to give clearance to.
Air traffic control cleared the plane to land.
The marketing department has cleared the press release for publication.
Clear
(transitive) To obtain approval or authorisation in respect of.
I've cleared the press release with the marketing department, so go ahead and publish it.
Clear
(intransitive) To obtain a clearance.
The steamer cleared for Liverpool today.
Clear
(transitive) To obtain permission to use (a sample of copyrighted audio) in another track.
Clear
To disengage oneself from incumbrances, distress, or entanglements; to become free.
Clear
To hit, kick, head, punch etc. (a ball, puck) away in order to defend one's goal.
The goalkeeper rushed forward to clear the ball.
A low cross came in, and Smith cleared.
Clear
To reset or unset; to return to an empty state or to zero.
To clear an array;
To clear a single bit (binary digit) in a value
Clear
To style (an element within a document) so that it is not permitted to float at a given position.
Clear
(carpentry) Full extent; distance between extreme limits; especially; the distance between the nearest surfaces of two bodies, or the space between walls.
A room ten feet square in the clear
Clear
(video games) The completion of a stage or challenge, or of the whole game.
It took me weeks to achieve a one-credit clear (1CC).
Clear
(Scientology) A person who is free from the influence of engrams.
Clear
Free from opaqueness; transparent; bright; light; luminous; unclouded.
The stream is so transparent, pure, and clear.
Fair as the moon, clear as the sun.
Clear
Free from ambiguity or indistinctness; lucid; perspicuous; plain; evident; manifest; indubitable.
One truth is clear; whatever is, is right.
Clear
Able to perceive clearly; keen; acute; penetrating; discriminating; as, a clear intellect; a clear head.
Mother of science! now I feel thy powerWithin me clear, not only to discernThings in their causes, but to trace the waysOf highest agents.
Clear
Not clouded with passion; serene; cheerful.
With a countenance as clearAs friendship wears at feasts.
Clear
Easily or distinctly heard; audible; canorous.
Hark! the numbers soft and clearGently steal upon the ear.
Clear
Without mixture; entirely pure; as, clear sand.
Clear
Without defect or blemish, such as freckles or knots; as, a clear complexion; clear lumber.
Clear
Free from guilt or stain; unblemished.
Statesman, yet friend to truth! in soul sincere,In action faithful, and in honor clear.
Clear
Without diminution; in full; net; as, clear profit.
I often wished that I had clear,For life, six hundred pounds a-year.
Clear
Free from impediment or obstruction; unobstructed; as, a clear view; to keep clear of debt.
My companion . . . left the way clear for him.
Clear
Free from embarrassment; detention, etc.
The cruel corporal whispered in my ear,Five pounds, if rightly tipped, would set me clear.
Clear
Full extent; distance between extreme limits; especially; the distance between the nearest surfaces of two bodies, or the space between walls; as, a room ten feet square in the clear.
Clear
In a clear manner; plainly.
Now clear I understandWhat oft . . . thoughts have searched in vain.
Clear
Without limitation; wholly; quite; entirely; as, to cut a piece clear off.
Clear
To render bright, transparent, or undimmed; to free from clouds.
He sweeps the skies and clears the cloudy north.
Clear
To free from impurities; to clarify; to cleanse.
Clear
To free from obscurity or ambiguity; to relive of perplexity; to make perspicuous.
Many knotty points there areWhich all discuss, but few can clear.
Clear
To render more quick or acute, as the understanding; to make perspicacious.
Our common prints would clear up their understandings.
Clear
To free from impediment or incumbrance, from defilement, or from anything injurious, useless, or offensive; as, to clear land of trees or brushwood, or from stones; to clear the sight or the voice; to clear one's self from debt; - often used with of, off, away, or out.
Clear your mind of cant.
A statue lies hid in a block of marble; and the art of the statuary only clears away the superfluous matter.
Clear
To free from the imputation of guilt; to justify, vindicate, or acquit; - often used with from before the thing imputed.
I . . . am sure he will clear me from partiality.
How! wouldst thou clear rebellion?
Clear
To leap or pass by, or over, without touching or failure; as, to clear a hedge; to clear a reef.
Clear
To gain without deduction; to net.
The profit which she cleared on the cargo.
Clear
To become free from clouds or fog; to become fair; - of the weather; - often followed by up, off, or away.
So foul a sky clears not without a storm.
Advise him to stay till the weather clears up.
Clear
To become free from turbidity; - of solutions or suspensions of liquids; as, the salt has not completely dissolved until the suspension clears up; when refrigerated, the juice may become cloudy, but when warmed to room temperature, it clears up again.
Clear
To disengage one's self from incumbrances, distress, or entanglements; to become free.
He that clears at once will relapse; for finding himself out of straits, he will revert to his customs; but he that cleareth by degrees induceth a habit of frugality.
Clear
To make exchanges of checks and bills, and settle balances, as is done in a clearing house.
Clear
To obtain a clearance; as, the steamer cleared for Liverpool to-day.
Clear
The state of being free of suspicion;
Investigation showed that he was in the clear
Clear
A clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water;
Finally broke out of the forest into the open
Clear
Rid of obstructions;
Clear your desk
Clear
Make a way or path by removing objects;
Clear a path through the dense forest
Clear
Become clear;
The sky cleared after the storm
Clear
Grant authorization or clearance for;
Clear the manuscript for publication
The rock star never authorized this slanderous biography
Clear
Remove;
Clear the leaves from the lawn
Clear snow from the road
Clear
Go unchallenged; be approved;
The bill cleared the House
Clear
Be debited and credited to the proper bank accounts;
The check will clear within 2 business days
Clear
Go away or disappear;
The fog cleared in the afternoon
Clear
Pass by, over, or under without making contact;
The balloon cleared the tree tops
Clear
Make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear;
Could you clarify these remarks?
Clear up the question of who is at fault
Clear
Free from payment of customs duties, as of a shipment;
Clear the ship and let it dock
Clear
Clear from impurities, blemishes, pollution, etc.;
Clear the water before it can be drunk
Clear
Yield as a net profit;
This sale netted me $1 million
Clear
Make as a net profit;
The company cleared $1 million
Clear
Earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages;
How much do you make a month in your new job?
She earns a lot in her new job
This merger brought in lots of money
He clears $5,000 each month
Clear
Sell;
We cleared a lot of the old model cars
Clear
Pass an inspection or receive authorization;
Clear customs
Clear
Pronounce not guilty of criminal charges;
The suspect was cleared of the murder charges
Clear
Settle, as of a debt;
Clear a debt
Solve an old debt
Clear
Make clear, bright, light, or translucent;
The water had to be cleared through filtering
Clear
Rid of instructions or data;
Clear a memory buffer
Clear
Remove (people) from a building;
Clear the patrons from the theater after the bomb threat
Clear
Remove the occupants of;
Clear the building
Clear
Free (the throat) by making a rasping sound;
Clear the throat
Clear
Clear to the mind;
A clear and present danger
A clear explanation
A clear case of murder
A clear indication that she was angry
Gave us a clear idea of human nature
Clear
Free from confusion or doubt;
A complex problem requiring a clear head
Not clear about what is expected of us
Clear
Affording free passage or view;
A clear view
A clear path to victory
Clear
Free from cloudiness; allowing light to pass through;
Clear water
Clear plastic bags
Clear glass
The air is clear and clean
Clear
Free from contact or proximity or connection;
We were clear of the danger
The ship was clear of the reef
Clear
Characterized by freedom from troubling thoughts (especially guilt);
A clear conscience
Regarded her questioner with clear untroubled eyes
Clear
(of sound or color) free from anything that dulls or dims;
Efforts to obtain a clean bass in orchestral recordings
Clear laughter like a waterfall
Clear reds and blues
A light lilting voice like a silver bell
Clear
(especially of a title) free from any encumberance or limitation that presents a question of fact or law;
I have clear title to this property
Clear
Clear and distinct to the senses; easily perceptible;
As clear as a whistle
Clear footprints in the snow
The letter brought back a clear image of his grandfather
A spire clean-cut against the sky
A clear-cut pattern
Clear
Accurately stated or described;
A set of well-defined values
Clear
Free from clouds or mist or haze;
On a clear day
Clear
Free of restrictions or qualifications;
A clean bill of health
A clear winner
Clear
Free from flaw or blemish or impurity;
A clear perfect diamond
Clear
Clear of charges or deductions;
A clear profit
Clear
Easily deciphered
Clear
Freed from any question of guilt;
Is absolved from all blame
Was now clear of the charge of cowardice
His official honor is vindicated
Clear
Characterized by ease and quickness in perceiving;
Clear mind
A percipient author
Clear
Of complexion; without such blemishes as e.g. acne;
The clear complexion of a healthy young woman
Clear
Completely;
Read the book clear to the end
Slept clear through the night
There were open fields clear to the horizon
Clear
In an easily perceptible manner;
Could be seen clearly under the microscope
She cried loud and clear
Common Curiosities
How does clarity differ from being clear in communication?
Clarity refers to the overall quality of being understandable, while being clear is the state or action of making something free from confusion or ambiguity.
What is clarity?
Clarity is the quality of being clear in visual perception, thought, expression, or sound, making something easily understandable or perceptible.
What role does clarity play in effective communication?
Clarity plays a crucial role in effective communication by ensuring that the message is easily understood, reducing the chance of misunderstandings.
Can clarity apply to both ideas and visuals?
Yes, clarity can apply to both ideas and visuals, referring to the ease of understanding or the sharpness and distinctness of an image, respectively.
Is it possible to improve clarity in communication?
Yes, clarity in communication can be improved by organizing thoughts, using simple language, and being concise, aiming for straightforwardness and ease of understanding.
How can one achieve clarity in writing?
Achieving clarity in writing involves using precise language, structuring ideas coherently, and avoiding unnecessary jargon to make the content accessible.
Can clarity and being clear be used interchangeably?
While they are related, they are not always interchangeable; clarity is a noun referring to a quality, while "clear" can be an adjective or verb with a broader range of uses.
What does it mean to be clear?
To be clear means to be free from ambiguity, obscurity, or clutter, either as a state (adjective) or through action (verb) to remove impediments.
What makes an instruction clear?
An instruction is clear when it is straightforward, lacks ambiguity, and is easily understood by the recipient, leading to effective action.
Is being clear always about removing something?
As a verb, being clear often involves removing obstructions or making something evident; as an adjective, it describes a state of freedom from obstruction or ambiguity.
Does clear always mean transparent?
In a physical sense, clear often means transparent, but it can also refer to being unambiguous or free from clutter in non-physical contexts.
How does clarity affect the value of a diamond?
The clarity of a diamond affects its value by determining how free it is from internal flaws or inclusions, with higher clarity indicating higher quality and value.
How does one clear a misunderstanding?
Clearing a misunderstanding involves communicating effectively to resolve ambiguities, providing clear explanations, and addressing any confusion directly.
Why is visual clarity important?
Visual clarity is important because it ensures that details are discernible and the intended visual message is effectively communicated.
Why is a clear conscience important?
A clear conscience is important for personal peace and integrity, indicating that one has acted in accordance with their moral and ethical values.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
