A1adjective1K

Clean

UK /["/kliːn/"]/US /["/kliːn/"]/

Definition

not dirty

In simple words: To make something free from dirt or mess.

Examples

  • I like to keep my room clean so that it feels fresh and organized.
  • Make sure to clean your hands before dinner to stay healthy.
  • After the party, we need to clean up the mess in the living room.
  • Her clean dress made her look very elegant at the event.
  • The water in the lake is clean and safe for swimming.

Usage notes

Used in everyday conversations, 'clean' can refer to physical cleanliness as well as metaphorical contexts (e.g., a clean record). Avoid using in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

clean + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'clean' sweep—like a broom that removes all dirt.

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • clean and tidy
  • neat and clean
  • lovely and clean
  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • clean and tidy
  • neat and clean
  • lovely and clean
  • be
  • look
  • seem
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very
  • clean and tidy
  • neat and clean
  • lovely and clean

Synonyms

  • tidy
  • neat
  • spotless
  • clear
  • pure

Antonyms

  • dirty
  • messy
  • unclean

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'clean' with 'clear' when referring to visibility.
  • Using 'cleans' as a noun instead of the verb form.
  • Mixing up 'cleaning' as a noun and a verb.