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Definition and meaning of English word "clean"

clean

/kliːn/

Meaning

Adjective

Free of dirt, filth, or impurities (extraneous matter); not dirty, filthy, or soiled.

Reviewed by the TheLernen language teamDefinition sourced from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0)

How to use

The adjective 'clean' is often used in everyday conversation to describe something free of dirt or impurities. A common mistake learners make is confusing 'clean' with 'clear', which has a different meaning. In formal contexts, 'clean' can also imply a moral purity, as in 'a clean conscience'.

🇬🇧 English

clean

Example

The room is clean and tidy.

Please clean up the mess before I leave.

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Synonyms

completely cleanfree from impuritiescompletely clean and tidy

Common phrases

  • clean room— a room that is free of dirt and impurities
  • clean bill of health— a document stating that someone is healthy
  • clean up— to make something clean and tidy

More Adjectives words

Frequency rank: #389 in English

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does the English word "clean" mean?▼

The English word "clean" means "clean" in English.

How do you pronounce the English word "clean"?▼

You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "clean" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.

Can I see an example sentence with "clean"?▼

Yes, here is a practical example: "The room is clean and tidy." (which translates as "clean").

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