of the
word _clear_; as, the outlines of the ship were _clear_ against the sky;
a _clear_ view; a _clear_ note; "_clear_ as a bell;" a _clear_, frosty
air; a _clear_ sky; a _clear_ statement; hence, the word is used for
that which is free from any kind of obstruction; as, a _clear_ field.
_Lucid_ and _pellucid_ refer to a shining clearness, as of crystal. A
_transparent_ body allows the forms and colors of objects beyond to be
seen through it; a _translucent_ body allows light to pass through, but
may not permit forms and colors to be distinguished; plate glass is
_transparent_, ground glass is _translucent_. _Limpid_ refers to a
liquid clearness, or that which suggests it; as, _limpid_ streams. That
which is _distinct_ is well defined, especially in outline, each part or
object standing or seeming apart from any other, not confused,
indefinite, or blurred; _distinct_ enunciation enables the hearer to
catch every word or vocal sound without perplexity or confusion; a
_distinct_ statement is free from indefiniteness or ambiguity; a
_distinct_ apprehension of a thought leaves the mind in no doubt or
uncertainty regarding it. That is _plain_, in the sense here considered,
which is, as it were, level to the thought, so that one goes straight on
without difficulty or hindrance; as, _plain_ language; a _plain_
statement; a _clear_ explanation. _Perspicuous_ is often equivalent to
_plain_, but _plain_ never wholly loses the meaning of _unadorned_, so
that we can say the style is _perspicuous_ tho highly ornate, when we
could not call it at once ornate and _plain_. Compare EVIDENT.

Antonyms:

ambiguous, dim, foggy, mysterious, opaque, unintelligible,
cloudy, dubious, indistinct, obscure, turbid, vague.

Prepositions:

Clear _to_ the mind; clear _in_ argument; clear _of_ or _from_
annoyances.

* * * * *

CLEVER.

Synonyms:

able, capable, happy, keen, sharp,
adroit, dexterous, ingenious, knowing, skilful,
apt, expert, intellectual, quick, smart,
bright, gifted, intelligent, quick-witted, talented.

_Clever_, as used in England, especially implies an aptitude for study
or learning, and for excellent tho not preeminent mental achievement.
The early New England usage as implying simple and weak good nature has
largely affected the use of the word throughout the United States, where
it has ne