clean etymology

Etymology

The word "clean" comes from the Middle English word "clene," which is derived from the Old English word "clāne." The Old English word is thought to be derived from the Proto-Germanic word *klainaz, meaning "pure" or "bright."

Meaning

The word "clean" has a wide range of meanings, including:

  • Free from dirt, dust, or other impurities
  • Morally pure; free from sin or corruption
  • Clear, crisp, or sharp
  • Agreeable or pleasant

Origin

The Proto-Germanic word *klainaz is thought to be cognate with the Latin word "clarus," meaning "clear" or "bright." The Latin word is also the origin of the English words "clarify," "clarinet," and "clairvoyant."

Usage

The word "clean" is used in a variety of contexts, including:

  • Cleaning: "I need to clean the house."
  • Hygiene: "It's important to clean your hands regularly."
  • Morality: "She is a clean and honest person."
  • Appearance: "She has a clean and fresh look."
  • Taste or smell: "The air is clean and crisp."

Examples

  • The clothes were clean and fresh.
  • The room was spotless clean.
  • He had a clean conscience.
  • The sound was clean and clear.
  • The smell of the flowers was clean and refreshing.

clean relate terms

  • cleanse

    Etymology The word cleanse derives from the Old English clænsenne meaning to make

  • clean

    Etymology The word clean comes from the Middle English word clene which is derived f

  • cleansing

    Etymology The word cleansing comes from the French word cleanser which means to cle

  • clear

    Etymology Originates from Latin clarus meaning bright clear or shining Mea

  • clear

    Etymology Originates from Latin clarus meaning bright clear or shining Mea

  • pure

  • clean living

    Etymology Cleanliving is a compound word formed from the adjective clean and the noun

  • clean up

    Etymology The word clean is derived from the Middle English word clene which is ulti

  • terse

    Terse Etymology From Latin tersus meaning wiped clean neat Meaning Concise

  • brush

    Etymology and Meaning Brush derives from the Middle English word brusche which in tur

  • scour

    Etymology The word scour originated from the Old English word scuran meaning to sc

  • mundane

    Etymology Mundane derives from the Latin word mundānus meaning of the world It

  • halter

    Etymology The word halter has multiple etymological origins Old English healftre

  • lather

    Etymology Middle English lathren Old English liðre Proto Germanic _liðra_ Meani

  • change

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It traces words