Clear vs. Legible — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
Clear writing ensures easy comprehension and coherence, while legible writing focuses on readability and decipherability of individual characters.
Difference Between Clear and Legible
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Clear writing emphasizes straightforward communication, using simple language and well-structured sentences to convey ideas effectively. Whereas, legible writing is primarily concerned with the physical appearance of text, ensuring that the characters are distinguishable and easy to read.
When aiming for clarity, writers focus on the logical flow of information, avoiding ambiguity and excessive jargon. On the other hand, legibility can be influenced by factors such as font size, typeface, and spacing, which affect how easily text can be read.
Clear communication is essential in contexts where understanding and precision are critical, such as legal documents and instructional materials. Whereas legibility is crucial in scenarios like signage and handwriting, where quick and effortless reading is necessary.
Techniques to enhance clarity include using active voice, concise phrasing, and transitional elements to link ideas smoothly. In contrast, improving legibility might involve selecting appropriate fonts, adjusting layout, and employing sufficient contrast.
Although both qualities are vital for effective written communication, clear writing ensures the message is understood as intended, while legible writing ensures the message can be read at all.
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Comparison Chart
Focus
Content clarity and coherence
Readability of individual characters
Key Considerations
Language simplicity, structure
Font choice, size, spacing
Importance in
Academic writing, legal documents
Signage, handwritten notes
Enhancement Methods
Use of active voice, transitions
Appropriate font selection, layout
Outcome
Ensures message is understood
Ensures message can be read
Compare with Definitions
Clear
Transparent or unobstructed.
The clear glass allowed us to see everything outside.
Legible
Pertaining to text or handwriting that is clear and readable.
She writes in a neat, legible hand.
Clear
Completely.
He jumped clear over the fence.
Legible
Capable of being read or deciphered, especially with ease.
His handwriting is very legible compared to mine.
Clear
To remove an obstruction.
The workers came to clear the road of debris.
Legible
Sufficiently distinct or clear to the eye.
The instructions must be legible from a distance.
Clear
Free from confusion or ambiguity.
She gave clear instructions on how to proceed.
Legible
Clear enough to be read, referring to text.
The document is legible despite the water stain.
Clear
To become bright and free of clouds (weather).
The sky will clear up by afternoon.
Legible
Legally or officially acceptable as readable.
The signature on the document was barely legible but accepted.
Clear
Easy to perceive, understand, or interpret
Am I making myself clear?
Her handwriting was clear
Clear and precise directions
Legible
Possible to read or decipher
Legible handwriting.
Clear
(of a substance) transparent; unclouded
The clear glass of the French windows
A stream of clear water
Legible
Plainly discernible; apparent
A legible weakness in disposition.
Clear
Free of any obstructions or unwanted objects
With a clear road ahead he shifted into high gear
I had a clear view in both directions
Legible
Clear enough to be read; readable, particularly of handwriting.
Despite hardly having any energy to lift a pen, she left a legible note on the paper.
Clear
Not touching; away from
The lorry was wedged in the ditch, one wheel clear of the ground
Legible
Written or phrased so as to be easy to understand.
You can make this program code more legible by using meaningful variable names.
Clear
Complete; full
You must give seven clear days' notice of the meeting
Legible
Capable of being read or deciphered; distinct to the eye; plain; - used of writing or printing; as, a fair, legible manuscript.
The stone with moss and lichens so overspread,
Nothing is legible but the name alone.
Clear
Denoting a palatalized form of the sound of the letter l (as in leaf in most accents of English).
Legible
Capable of being discovered or understood by apparent marks or indications; as, the thoughts of men are often legible in their countenances.
Clear
So as to be out of the way of or away from
He leapt clear of the car
Stand clear, I'll start the plane up
Legible
(of handwriting, print, etc.) able to be read;
Legible handwriting
Clear
Completely
He had time to get clear away
Clear
Remove an obstruction or unwanted item or items from
Carolyn cleared the table and washed up
The drive had been cleared of snow
Clear
Remove (an obstruction or unwanted item) from somewhere
Karen cleared the dirty plates
Park staff cleared away dead trees
Clear
Get past or over (something) safely or without touching it
The plane rose high enough to clear the trees
She cleared 1.50 metres in the high jump
Clear
Officially show or declare (someone) to be innocent
His sport's ruling body had cleared him of cheating
Clear
Give official approval or authorization to
I cleared him to return to his squadron
Clear
Earn or gain (an amount of money) as a net profit
I would hope to clear £50,000 profit from each match
Clear
Free from clouds, mist, or haze
A clear day.
Clear
Not obscured or darkened; bright
Clear daylight.
A clear yellow.
Clear
Easily seen through; transparent
Clear water.
Clear
Free from flaw, blemish, or impurity
A clear, perfect diamond.
A clear record with the police.
Clear
Free from impediment, obstruction, or hindrance; open
A clear view.
A clear path to victory.
Clear
Plain or evident to the mind; unmistakable
A clear case of cheating.
Clear
Easily perceptible to the eye or ear; distinct
The clear call of a songbird.
Clear
Discerning or perceiving easily; keen
A clear mind.
Clear
Free from doubt or confusion; certain
His meaning is clear.
Clear
Free from qualification or limitation; absolute
A clear winner.
Clear
Free from guilt; untroubled
A clear conscience.
Clear
Having been freed from contact, proximity, or connection
At last we were clear of the danger. The ship was clear of the reef.
Clear
Free from charges or deductions; net
A clear profit.
Clear
Containing nothing
The ship's hold was clear.
Clear
Distinctly; clearly
Spoke loud and clear.
Clear
Out of the way; completely away
Stood clear of the doors.
Clear
(Informal) All the way; completely
Slept clear through the night.
Read the book clear to the end.
Clear
To make light, clear, or bright
The wind cleared the sky of clouds.
Clear
To rid of impurities, blemishes, muddiness, or foreign matter
The new filter cleared the water.
Clear
To free from confusion, doubt, or ambiguity; make plain or intelligible
Cleared up the question of responsibility.
Clear
To rid of objects or obstructions
Clear the table.
Clear the road of debris.
Clear
To make (a way or clearing) by removing obstructions
Clear a path through the jungle.
Clear
To remove (objects or obstructions)
Clear the dishes.
Clear snow from the road.
Clear
To remove the occupants of
Clear the theater.
Clear
To remove (people)
Clear the children from the room.
Clear
To move or shoot (a ball or puck) away from the goal or out of the defensive zone.
Clear
To clear a ball or puck out of (the defensive zone), as in lacrosse or hockey.
Clear
To rid (a memory location or buffer, for example) of instructions or data.
Clear
To remove (instructions or data) from memory.
Clear
To free from a legal charge or imputation of guilt; acquit
Cleared the suspect of the murder charge.
Clear
To pass by, under, or over without contact
The boat cleared the dock.
Clear
To settle (a debt).
Clear
To gain (a given amount) as net profit or earnings.
Clear
To pass (a bill of exchange, such as a check) through a clearing-house.
Clear
To secure the approval of
The bill cleared the Senate.
Clear
To authorize or approve
Cleared the material for publication.
Clear
To free (a ship or cargo) from legal detention at a harbor by fulfilling customs and harbor requirements.
Clear
To give clearance or authorization to
Cleared the plane to land.
Clear
To free (the throat) of phlegm by making a rasping sound.
Clear
To become clear
The sky cleared.
Clear
To go away; disappear
The fog cleared.
Clear
To exchange checks and bills or settle accounts through a clearing-house.
Clear
To pass through the banking system and be debited and credited to the relevant accounts
The check cleared.
Clear
To comply with customs and harbor requirements in discharging a cargo or in leaving or entering a port.
Clear
A clear or open space.
Clear
Transparent in colour.
As clear as crystal
Clear
Bright; luminous; not dark or obscured.
The windshield was clear and clean.
Congress passed the President’s Clear Skies legislation.
Clear
Free of obstacles.
The driver had mistakenly thought the intersection was clear.
The coast is clear.
Clear
Without clouds.
Clear weather; a clear day
Clear
(meteorology) Of the sky, such that less than one eighth of its area is obscured by clouds.
Clear
Free of ambiguity or doubt.
He gave clear instructions not to bother him at work.
Do I make myself clear? Crystal clear.
I'm still not quite clear on what some of these words mean.
Clear
Distinct, sharp, well-marked.
Clear
(figuratively) Free of guilt, or suspicion.
A clear conscience
Clear
(of a soup) Without a thickening ingredient.
Clear
Possessing little or no perceptible stimulus.
Clear of texture; clear of odor
Clear
(Scientology) Free from the influence of engrams; see Clear (Scientology).
Clear
Able to perceive clearly; keen; acute; penetrating; discriminating.
A clear intellect; a clear head
Clear
Not clouded with passion; serene; cheerful.
Clear
Easily or distinctly heard; audible.
Clear
Unmixed; entirely pure.
Clear sand
Clear
Without defects or blemishes, such as freckles or knots.
A clear complexion; clear lumber
Clear
Without diminution; in full; net.
A clear profit
Clear
Showing a green aspect, allowing a train to proceed past it.
Clear
All the way; entirely.
I threw it clear across the river to the other side.
Clear
Not near something or touching it.
Stand clear of the rails, a train is coming.
Clear
Free (or separate) from others.
Clear
In a clear manner; plainly.
Clear
(transitive) To remove obstructions, impediments or other unwanted items from.
Police took two hours to clear the road.
If you clear the table, I'll wash up.
Clear
(transitive) To remove (items or material) so as to leave something unobstructed or open.
Please clear all this stuff off the table.
The loggers came and cleared the trees.
Clear
(intransitive) To leave abruptly; to clear off or clear out.
Clear
(intransitive) To become free from obstruction or obscurement; to become transparent.
When the road cleared we continued our journey.
After a heavy rain, the sky cleared nicely for the evening.
Shake the test tube well, and the liquid should slowly clear.
Clear
(transitive) To eliminate ambiguity or doubt from (a matter); to clarify or resolve; to clear up.
We need to clear this issue once and for all.
Clear
(transitive) To remove from suspicion, especially of having committed a crime.
The court cleared the man of murder.
Clear
(transitive) To pass without interference; to miss.
The door just barely clears the table as it closes.
The leaping horse easily cleared the hurdles.
Clear
To exceed a stated mark.
She was the first female high jumper to clear two metres.
Clear
To finish or complete (a stage, challenge, or game).
I cleared the first level in 36 seconds.
Clear
(intransitive) Of a check or financial transaction, to go through as payment; to be processed so that the money is transferred.
The check might not clear for a couple of days.
Clear
To earn a profit of; to net.
He's been clearing seven thousand a week.
Clear
(transitive) To approve or authorise for a particular purpose or action; to give clearance to.
Air traffic control cleared the plane to land.
The marketing department has cleared the press release for publication.
Clear
(transitive) To obtain approval or authorisation in respect of.
I've cleared the press release with the marketing department, so go ahead and publish it.
Clear
(intransitive) To obtain a clearance.
The steamer cleared for Liverpool today.
Clear
(transitive) To obtain permission to use (a sample of copyrighted audio) in another track.
Clear
To disengage oneself from incumbrances, distress, or entanglements; to become free.
Clear
To hit, kick, head, punch etc. (a ball, puck) away in order to defend one's goal.
The goalkeeper rushed forward to clear the ball.
A low cross came in, and Smith cleared.
Clear
To reset or unset; to return to an empty state or to zero.
To clear an array;
To clear a single bit (binary digit) in a value
Clear
To style (an element within a document) so that it is not permitted to float at a given position.
Clear
(carpentry) Full extent; distance between extreme limits; especially; the distance between the nearest surfaces of two bodies, or the space between walls.
A room ten feet square in the clear
Clear
(video games) The completion of a stage or challenge, or of the whole game.
It took me weeks to achieve a one-credit clear (1CC).
Clear
(Scientology) A person who is free from the influence of engrams.
Clear
Free from opaqueness; transparent; bright; light; luminous; unclouded.
The stream is so transparent, pure, and clear.
Fair as the moon, clear as the sun.
Clear
Free from ambiguity or indistinctness; lucid; perspicuous; plain; evident; manifest; indubitable.
One truth is clear; whatever is, is right.
Clear
Able to perceive clearly; keen; acute; penetrating; discriminating; as, a clear intellect; a clear head.
Mother of science! now I feel thy powerWithin me clear, not only to discernThings in their causes, but to trace the waysOf highest agents.
Clear
Not clouded with passion; serene; cheerful.
With a countenance as clearAs friendship wears at feasts.
Clear
Easily or distinctly heard; audible; canorous.
Hark! the numbers soft and clearGently steal upon the ear.
Clear
Without mixture; entirely pure; as, clear sand.
Clear
Without defect or blemish, such as freckles or knots; as, a clear complexion; clear lumber.
Clear
Free from guilt or stain; unblemished.
Statesman, yet friend to truth! in soul sincere,In action faithful, and in honor clear.
Clear
Without diminution; in full; net; as, clear profit.
I often wished that I had clear,For life, six hundred pounds a-year.
Clear
Free from impediment or obstruction; unobstructed; as, a clear view; to keep clear of debt.
My companion . . . left the way clear for him.
Clear
Free from embarrassment; detention, etc.
The cruel corporal whispered in my ear,Five pounds, if rightly tipped, would set me clear.
Clear
Full extent; distance between extreme limits; especially; the distance between the nearest surfaces of two bodies, or the space between walls; as, a room ten feet square in the clear.
Clear
In a clear manner; plainly.
Now clear I understandWhat oft . . . thoughts have searched in vain.
Clear
Without limitation; wholly; quite; entirely; as, to cut a piece clear off.
Clear
To render bright, transparent, or undimmed; to free from clouds.
He sweeps the skies and clears the cloudy north.
Clear
To free from impurities; to clarify; to cleanse.
Clear
To free from obscurity or ambiguity; to relive of perplexity; to make perspicuous.
Many knotty points there areWhich all discuss, but few can clear.
Clear
To render more quick or acute, as the understanding; to make perspicacious.
Our common prints would clear up their understandings.
Clear
To free from impediment or incumbrance, from defilement, or from anything injurious, useless, or offensive; as, to clear land of trees or brushwood, or from stones; to clear the sight or the voice; to clear one's self from debt; - often used with of, off, away, or out.
Clear your mind of cant.
A statue lies hid in a block of marble; and the art of the statuary only clears away the superfluous matter.
Clear
To free from the imputation of guilt; to justify, vindicate, or acquit; - often used with from before the thing imputed.
I . . . am sure he will clear me from partiality.
How! wouldst thou clear rebellion?
Clear
To leap or pass by, or over, without touching or failure; as, to clear a hedge; to clear a reef.
Clear
To gain without deduction; to net.
The profit which she cleared on the cargo.
Clear
To become free from clouds or fog; to become fair; - of the weather; - often followed by up, off, or away.
So foul a sky clears not without a storm.
Advise him to stay till the weather clears up.
Clear
To become free from turbidity; - of solutions or suspensions of liquids; as, the salt has not completely dissolved until the suspension clears up; when refrigerated, the juice may become cloudy, but when warmed to room temperature, it clears up again.
Clear
To disengage one's self from incumbrances, distress, or entanglements; to become free.
He that clears at once will relapse; for finding himself out of straits, he will revert to his customs; but he that cleareth by degrees induceth a habit of frugality.
Clear
To make exchanges of checks and bills, and settle balances, as is done in a clearing house.
Clear
To obtain a clearance; as, the steamer cleared for Liverpool to-day.
Clear
The state of being free of suspicion;
Investigation showed that he was in the clear
Clear
A clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water;
Finally broke out of the forest into the open
Clear
Rid of obstructions;
Clear your desk
Clear
Make a way or path by removing objects;
Clear a path through the dense forest
Clear
Become clear;
The sky cleared after the storm
Clear
Grant authorization or clearance for;
Clear the manuscript for publication
The rock star never authorized this slanderous biography
Clear
Remove;
Clear the leaves from the lawn
Clear snow from the road
Clear
Go unchallenged; be approved;
The bill cleared the House
Clear
Be debited and credited to the proper bank accounts;
The check will clear within 2 business days
Clear
Go away or disappear;
The fog cleared in the afternoon
Clear
Pass by, over, or under without making contact;
The balloon cleared the tree tops
Clear
Make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear;
Could you clarify these remarks?
Clear up the question of who is at fault
Clear
Free from payment of customs duties, as of a shipment;
Clear the ship and let it dock
Clear
Clear from impurities, blemishes, pollution, etc.;
Clear the water before it can be drunk
Clear
Yield as a net profit;
This sale netted me $1 million
Clear
Make as a net profit;
The company cleared $1 million
Clear
Earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages;
How much do you make a month in your new job?
She earns a lot in her new job
This merger brought in lots of money
He clears $5,000 each month
Clear
Sell;
We cleared a lot of the old model cars
Clear
Pass an inspection or receive authorization;
Clear customs
Clear
Pronounce not guilty of criminal charges;
The suspect was cleared of the murder charges
Clear
Settle, as of a debt;
Clear a debt
Solve an old debt
Clear
Make clear, bright, light, or translucent;
The water had to be cleared through filtering
Clear
Rid of instructions or data;
Clear a memory buffer
Clear
Remove (people) from a building;
Clear the patrons from the theater after the bomb threat
Clear
Remove the occupants of;
Clear the building
Clear
Free (the throat) by making a rasping sound;
Clear the throat
Clear
Clear to the mind;
A clear and present danger
A clear explanation
A clear case of murder
A clear indication that she was angry
Gave us a clear idea of human nature
Clear
Free from confusion or doubt;
A complex problem requiring a clear head
Not clear about what is expected of us
Clear
Affording free passage or view;
A clear view
A clear path to victory
Clear
Free from cloudiness; allowing light to pass through;
Clear water
Clear plastic bags
Clear glass
The air is clear and clean
Clear
Free from contact or proximity or connection;
We were clear of the danger
The ship was clear of the reef
Clear
Characterized by freedom from troubling thoughts (especially guilt);
A clear conscience
Regarded her questioner with clear untroubled eyes
Clear
(of sound or color) free from anything that dulls or dims;
Efforts to obtain a clean bass in orchestral recordings
Clear laughter like a waterfall
Clear reds and blues
A light lilting voice like a silver bell
Clear
(especially of a title) free from any encumberance or limitation that presents a question of fact or law;
I have clear title to this property
Clear
Clear and distinct to the senses; easily perceptible;
As clear as a whistle
Clear footprints in the snow
The letter brought back a clear image of his grandfather
A spire clean-cut against the sky
A clear-cut pattern
Clear
Accurately stated or described;
A set of well-defined values
Clear
Free from clouds or mist or haze;
On a clear day
Clear
Free of restrictions or qualifications;
A clean bill of health
A clear winner
Clear
Free from flaw or blemish or impurity;
A clear perfect diamond
Clear
Clear of charges or deductions;
A clear profit
Clear
Easily deciphered
Clear
Freed from any question of guilt;
Is absolved from all blame
Was now clear of the charge of cowardice
His official honor is vindicated
Clear
Characterized by ease and quickness in perceiving;
Clear mind
A percipient author
Clear
Of complexion; without such blemishes as e.g. acne;
The clear complexion of a healthy young woman
Clear
Completely;
Read the book clear to the end
Slept clear through the night
There were open fields clear to the horizon
Clear
In an easily perceptible manner;
Could be seen clearly under the microscope
She cried loud and clear
Common Curiosities
What is the primary focus of legible writing?
To ensure text is readable and characters are distinguishable.
Can a text be legible but not clear?
Yes, if it's readable but the content is confusing or poorly structured.
What factors influence the legibility of text?
Font size, typeface, layout, and spacing are critical factors.
What is the main goal of clear writing?
To convey information in an understandable and straightforward manner.
In what scenarios is clear writing more important than legibility?
In academic and legal documents where precise understanding is crucial.
Why is legibility important in signage?
It ensures that information can be quickly and effortlessly read by passersby.
How does one ensure their writing is clear?
By avoiding ambiguity, being concise, and organizing thoughts logically.
Is handwriting considered legible if only a few people can read it?
Generally, handwriting needs to be readable by most people to be considered legible.
How can one improve the clarity of their writing?
By using simple language, structured sentences, and logical transitions.
What are some tools to test the legibility of a design?
Tools like readability tests and visual contrast analyzers can help.
Does font style affect legibility?
Yes, certain fonts are designed to be more readable than others.
Can clear writing be legible?
Yes, ideally writing should be both clear and legible.
How does legibility affect the effectiveness of written communication?
Poor legibility can hinder the reader's ability to comprehend the text.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
