clearance English · revision 10798

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=1540|origins=en clear}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ˈklɪə.rəns/, US /ˈklɪr.əns/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from the verb [[clear]] and [[-ance]].^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ The action of clearing or making clear: 1540 in Merriam-Webster, before 1563 in the OED, the 1560s in Etymonline.^(MWU 2024)^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ The clearing of a ship at the customs house is from 1731–6.^(OED 1989) A clear space is from 1788,^(Etymonline) and the removal of obstructions from 1824.^(OED 1989) The clearing of land by removing trees, old houses or inhabitants is from 1851,^(OED 1989) as in slum clearance.^(Collins 2023) The passing of cheques through a clearing house is from 1858.^(OED 1989) ''Clearance sale'' is attested by 1843,^(Etymonline) and in football the act of clearing the ball from one's goal from 1920.^(OED 1989) Approval or permission, especially for an aircraft to land or take off, is from 1944 in American English, and security clearance from 1948.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1540 – a clearing.^(MWU 2024)

+ * 1731–6 – customs clearance.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1788 – a clear space.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1843 – clearance sale.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1944 – permission to land or take off (US).^(Etymonline)

+ * 1948 – security clearance.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The removal of something unwanted, such as buildings or goods: ''slum clearance''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Official permission, as for an aircraft to take off or land, or for access to secret information.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # The space or distance between two things, such as a vehicle and a bridge.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # ''(sport)'' The act of kicking or hitting the ball away from one's goal.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[clearer]]

+ * [[nonclearance]]

+ * [[preclearance]]

+ * [[reclearance]]

+ * [[Q clearance]]

+ * [[renal clearance]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[clear]]

+ * [[clarity]]

+ * [[clarify]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}