Gap vs. Clearance — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
Gap typically refers to a space or interval between two objects or points, while clearance is the distance through which one object can move without obstruction.
Difference Between Gap and Clearance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A gap is often understood as an empty space between two entities, such as the distance between two buildings. Clearance, on the other hand, refers specifically to the allowable space needed to avoid collision or congestion between moving parts or between a stationary object and moving one.
In engineering, a gap might be designed as part of a structure to allow for expansion or thermal movement, whereas clearance is calculated to ensure safe operational distances within mechanical systems.
When discussing clothing, gap might refer to the unintentional space between a garment and the body, like the back of a poorly fitting pair of jeans. Clearance in this context usually means the reduced price section in retail stores, although it can also refer to the space needed for comfortable movement within the garment.
In transportation, gaps are crucial for safety, such as the space between train cars or the gap between the platform and a train. Clearance is equally critical, relating to the height or width limits that vehicles can safely pass under or through, like in tunnels or under bridges.
Electrical engineering also uses both terms; a gap can refer to the space between electrical conductors, while clearance relates to the minimum distance to prevent arcing or comply with safety standards.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Space between two points or objects
Distance allowing safe movement
Usage in Engineering
Allows for expansion or passage of elements
Ensures no interference or collision
Retail Context
Unintentional space in fit
Sale section or fitting allowance
Transportation
Space for safety measures
Height or width restrictions
Electrical Engineering
Space between conductors
Safety distance to prevent arcing
Compare with Definitions
Gap
A break or opening in a surface or between objects.
There was a noticeable gap between the door and its frame.
Clearance
The act of clearing an area or permitting passage.
The clearance of the building site took two weeks.
Gap
The distance between two people or things in a race.
She managed to close the gap to just a few seconds behind the leader.
Clearance
The sale of goods at reduced prices.
We bought our new couch at a clearance sale.
Gap
A pause or interval in continuity.
There was a long gap between the first and second seasons of the show.
Clearance
Official authorization or approval.
He received security clearance to access the classified documents.
Gap
An unfilled space in the market.
Their new product fills a gap in the health food market.
Clearance
The distance by which one object avoids another.
The truck had only inches of clearance under the bridge.
Gap
A disparity or difference.
The wage gap between different industries can be significant.
Clearance
The removal of obstructions or unwanted items.
The clearance of debris after the storm was quickly handled.
Gap
An opening in a solid structure or surface; a cleft or breach
Wriggled through a gap in the fence.
A large gap in the wall where the artillery shell had exploded.
Clearance
The action or process of clearing or of being dispersed
Cleaning of the machine should include clearance of blockages
There will be sunny intervals after clearance of any early mist
Gap
A break in a line of defense.
Clearance
Official authorization for something to proceed or take place
The aircraft hadn't got diplomatic clearance to land in Mexico
Gap
An opening through mountains; a pass.
Clearance
Clear space allowed for a thing to move past or under another
Always give cyclists plenty of clearance
Gap
A space between objects or points; an aperture
A gap between his front teeth.
Clearance
The act or process of clearing.
Gap
An interruption of continuity
A nine-minute gap in the recorded conversation.
Needed to fill in the gaps in her knowledge.
Clearance
A space cleared; a clearing.
Gap
A conspicuous difference or imbalance; a disparity
A gap between revenue and spending.
The widening gap between rich and poor.
Clearance
The amount of space or distance by which a moving object clears something.
Gap
A problematic situation resulting from such a disparity
The budget gap.
The technology gap.
Clearance
The height or width of a passage
An underpass with a 13-foot clearance.
Gap
A spark gap.
Clearance
An intervening space or distance allowing free play, as between machine parts.
Gap
To make an opening or openings in
A wall that was gapped.
Clearance
Permission for an aircraft, ship, or other vehicle to proceed, as after an inspection of equipment or cargo or during certain traffic conditions.
Gap
To make or adjust a space between (objects or points) or in (a device)
Gap boards on a deck.
Gap a spark plug.
Clearance
Official certification of blamelessness, trustworthiness, or suitability.
Gap
To be or become open
Her coat gapped open.
Clearance
A sale, generally at reduced prices, to dispose of old merchandise.
Gap
An opening in anything made by breaking or parting.
He made a gap in the fence by kicking at a weak spot.
Clearance
The passage of checks and other bills of exchange through a clearing-house.
Gap
An opening allowing passage or entrance.
We can slip through that gap between the buildings.
Clearance
Renal clearance.
Gap
An opening that implies a breach or defect.
There is a gap between the roof and the gutter.
Clearance
The act of clearing or something (such as a space) cleared.
Gap
A vacant space or time.
I have a gap in my schedule next Tuesday.
Clearance
The distance between two moving objects, especially between parts of a machine
Gap
A hiatus, a pause in something which is otherwise continuous.
I'm taking a gap.
You must wait for a gap in the traffic before crossing the road.
Clearance
The height or width of a tunnel, bridge or other passage, or the distance between a vehicle and the walls or roof of such passage; a gap, headroom.
Gap
A vacancy, deficit, absence, or lack.
Their departure has left a gap in the workforce.
Find words to fill the gaps in an incomplete sentence.
Clearance
A permission for a vehicle to proceed, or for a person to travel.
The plane got clearance from air traffic control, and we were off.
He got clearance to travel to America, even though he had previous links to terrorists.
Gap
A mountain or hill pass.
The exploring party went through the high gap in the mountains.
Clearance
A permission to have access to sensitive or secret documents or other information.
Gap
(baseball) The regions between the outfielders.
Jones doubled through the gap.
Clearance
A permission to use something, usually intellectual property, that is legally, but not otherwise, protected.
Gap
The shortfall between the amount the medical insurer will pay to the service provider and the scheduled fee for the item.
Clearance
(retail) A sale of merchandise, especially at significantly reduced prices, usually in order to make room for new merchandise or updated versions of the same merchandise.
Gap
(AU) (usually written as "the gap") The disparity between the indigenous and non-indigenous communities with regard to life expectancy, education, health, etc.
Clearance
The settlement of transactions involving securities or means of payment such as checks by means of a clearing house.
Gap
(genetics) An unsequenced region in a sequence alignment.
Clearance
The act of potting all the remaining balls on a table at one visit.
Gap
(transitive) To notch, as a sword or knife.
Clearance
(soccer) The act of kicking a ball away from the goal one is defending.
Gap
(transitive) To make an opening in; to breach.
Clearance
(chess) Removal of pieces from a rank, file or diagonal so that a bishop, rook or queen is free to move along it.
Gap
(transitive) To check the size of a gap.
I gapped all the spark plugs in my car, but then realized I had used the wrong manual and had made them too small.
Clearance
Clear or net profit.
Gap
To leave suddenly.
Clearance
(Australian rules football) The first disposal in a chain that leaves the area of a stoppage, or a disposal that leaves the area of a stoppage itself.
Gap
An opening in anything made by breaking or parting; as, a gap in a fence; an opening for a passage or entrance; an opening which implies a breach or defect; a vacant space or time; a hiatus; a mountain pass.
Miseries ensued by the opening of that gap.
It would make a great gap in your own honor.
Clearance
(Australian rules football) The act of leaving the area of a stoppage.
Gap
The vertical distance between two superposed surfaces, esp. in a biplane.
Clearance
The act of clearing; as, to make a thorough clearance.
Gap
To notch, as a sword or knife.
Clearance
A certificate that a ship or vessel has been cleared at the customhouse; permission to sail.
Every ship was subject to seizure for want of stamped clearances.
Gap
To make an opening in; to breach.
Their masses are gapp'd with our grape.
Clearance
Clear or net profit.
Gap
A conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures;
Gap between income and outgo
The spread between lending and borrowing costs
Clearance
The distance by which one object clears another, as the distance between the piston and cylinder head at the end of a stroke in a steam engine, or the least distance between the point of a cogwheel tooth and the bottom of a space between teeth of a wheel with which it engages.
Gap
An open or empty space in or between things;
There was a small opening between the trees
The explosion made a gap in the wall
Clearance
The distance by which one thing clears another; the space between them
Gap
A narrow opening;
He opened the window a crack
Clearance
Vertical space available to allow easy passage under something
Gap
A pass between mountain peaks
Clearance
Permission to proceed;
The plane was given clearance to land
Gap
An act of delaying or interrupting the continuity;
It was presented without commercial breaks
Gap
Make an opening or gap in
Common Curiosities
How is gap used in a social context?
In a social context, a gap often refers to a disparity or difference in socioeconomic status, income levels, or opinions.
Why is clearance important in engineering?
Clearance is crucial in engineering to ensure that mechanical and structural components operate safely without interference.
Can the term gap be used in reference to time?
Yes, gap can refer to a period or break in time, such as a year-long gap in employment.
What is a gap in technical terms?
In technical terms, a gap is a physical discontinuity or empty space between two materials or components.
What is meant by 'vertical clearance'?
Vertical clearance refers to the height available for vehicles or goods to pass through an underpass, bridge, or other structure without obstruction.
How do gaps affect electrical safety?
In electrical systems, gaps are important for preventing unwanted electrical discharges by maintaining a safe distance between conductors.
What does 'gap insurance' mean?
Gap insurance covers the difference between the actual cash value of a vehicle and the balance still owed on the financing in the event of a total loss.
What does clearance mean in shopping?
In shopping, clearance refers to the sale of products at significantly reduced prices, typically to clear out inventory.
Is clearance always related to prices?
While often associated with price reductions, clearance can also refer to the spatial or physical permission needed for safety or legal reasons in various contexts.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
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.
