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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 27 Nov. 2024 This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. James Factora, Them, 27 Nov. 2024 Its starring actresses, both raised Mormon, spoke with IndieWire about the film’s commitment to clarity and authenticity ahead of their movie’s surprising release. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 26 Nov. 2024 The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Anna Haines, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clarity 

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 10 Dec. 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

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