clarity

noun

clar·​i·​ty ˈkler-ə-tē How to pronounce clarity (audio)
ˈkla-rə-
plural clarities
: the quality of being clear: such as
a
: the quality of being easily understood
The interview has been edited for clarity.
Mr. Darlington writes with wit and clarity.Frank J. Prial
b
: the state of having a full, detailed, and orderly mental grasp of something
She remembered that day with surprising clarity.
Employees are looking for some clarity [=understanding] on the company's new policies.
The first step is to ensure you have clarity of purpose. I've been shocked how often people who started an enterprise seem to forget their original purpose.Jacob Harold
… juggling so many creative balls at once that it's amazing he has such clarity of thought.Hannah Stephenson
"… You suddenly got a moment of clarity and you go, 'What the hell am I doing?' …"Ozzy Osbourne
c
: the quality of being easily seen or heard
Those dual 12-inch subwoofers … may produce volume, but the key to a good sound system is clarity.Jim Kerr
Displayed as a negative image for greater clarity, the stars look like grains of pepper sprinkled on a white tablecloth.Andrew Chaikin
d
: the quality of being easily seen through
the clarity of the crystal glass
a wine with excellent clarity and little sediment
e
: a lack of marks, spots, or blemishes
creams to improve skin clarity
Most diamonds have small imperfections called inclusions. These are usually microscopic. The fewer inclusions, the higher the clarity.Richmond (Virginia) Times Dispatch

Examples of clarity in a Sentence

The essays are edited for clarity. There is a lack of clarity in many legal documents. She remembered what happened that day with surprising clarity. I'm looking for greater clarity about what is expected of our students. The clarity of the photographs was amazing. The DVD has excellent clarity of sound. the clarity of the lake's water The vitamin is believed to improve skin clarity.
Recent Examples on the Web Your question may be edited for accuracy and clarity. Becky Krystal, Washington Post, 13 Mar. 2024 This article has been edited and condensed for clarity. Byphil Wahba, Fortune, 11 Mar. 2024 They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications. Clayton Davis, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024 Letters may be edited for length and clarity, and may be published in any medium. The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 This conversation was edited and condensed for clarity. Katia Hetter, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity from two conversations. David Marchese Photograph By Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 What Wilson discovered early on was that the synchronicity of the music’s arrival to the listener’s ear could not only affect clarity and soundstage but also dynamic contrast and timbre. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024 This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. Isabella Cueto, STAT, 8 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'clarity.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English clarite, from Latin claritat-, claritas, from clarus — see clarify

First Known Use

circa 1616, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clarity was circa 1616

Dictionary Entries Near clarity

Cite this Entry

“Clarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clarity. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

clarity

noun
clar·​i·​ty ˈklar-ət-ē How to pronounce clarity (audio)
: the quality or state of being clear
the clarity of their voices

More from Merriam-Webster on clarity

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!