unclear English · revision 14941

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=derivation|attested=c. 1300}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /ʌnˈklɪə/, US /ʌnˈklɪr/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is formed from [[un-]] and [[clear]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) Similar formations are [[dum|onclaer]], [[nl|onklaar]], [[de|unklar]], [[da|uklar]] and [[sv|oklar]].^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ Not easy to understand: about 1300.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Not obvious, open to doubt, is from the early 15th century.^(Etymonline) Not free of fault or blame (before 1400) and dark or thick (about 1400) are old senses,^(OED 1989) and Middle English also used it for morally impure or guilty.^(Etymonline) Of persons, uncertain or doubtful about something, it is from 1671.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 1300 – hard to understand.^(Etymonline)

+ * before 1400 – not free of blame.^(OED 1989)

+ * early 15th century – open to doubt.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1671 – of persons, uncertain.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Adjective===

+ # Not clear or definite; [[ambiguous]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

+ # Not known or settled: ''it is unclear how much support they have''.^(Collins 2023)

+ # Of a person, uncertain about something.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[clear]]

+ * [[unclarity]]

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}