Etymology Map
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Clear

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means easy to see or understand; transparent

Where does the word "clear" come from? It comes from Latin clarus, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
clarus
Latin · ancient
"bright, loud"
the root of 'clarify' and 'declare'
2
Stage 2 of 3
cler
Old French · medieval
"bright"
used of light and sound
3
Stage 3 of 3
clear
English · 1200s
"bright"
'all clear' dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Clear’s story begins in Latin: clarus meant “bright, loud.” The root of 'clarify' and 'declare'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as cler. Used of light and sound. It reached English by 1200s as clear. 'all clear' dates from the 1800s. Today, clear means easy to see or understand; transparent.