Clear vs. Concise: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
"Clear" refers to being easy to perceive or understand, while "Concise" means expressing much in few words without unnecessary details.
Key Differences
"Clear" primarily emphasizes the quality of being easily understood. In communication, whether spoken or written, clarity ensures that the intended message reaches the recipient without confusion. On the other hand, "Concise" refers to the brevity of the message, ensuring that it is presented without extra words or information, getting straight to the point.
When a message is "Clear", it might not necessarily be brief. It ensures that the recipient comprehends the information without misconceptions. However, "Concise" communication might, at times, sacrifice some details for the sake of brevity, but it aims to be succinct and to the point, eliminating any superfluous details.
Being "Clear" is about removing ambiguity and potential misunderstandings. For instance, instructions are often required to be clear so they can be followed correctly. "Concise", in contrast, is about efficient communication, ensuring that the message is presented in as few words as possible while retaining its essential meaning.
In practical terms, a document can be lengthy and detailed yet still be clear if it explains concepts in an easily understandable manner. Conversely, a concise document might be short and direct but could require the reader to have prior knowledge to fully understand it because of its brevity.
"Clear" emphasizes understanding, ensuring that whatever is conveyed is easily comprehensible and free from ambiguity. This term can apply to various contexts, from a clear sky, free from clouds, to a clear explanation, devoid of confusion. "Concise," on the other hand, stresses brevity. Being concise doesn't just mean being short; it means being effectively brief, delivering information without extraneous details.
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The word "Clear" can be seen as a characteristic of transparency or purity. For instance, clear water is free from impurities, just as clear instructions are free from ambiguity. On the contrary, "Concise" specifically deals with the economy of words. A concise report or statement delivers the necessary information using as few words as possible, eliminating redundancy.
In communication, it's possible for something to be clear but not concise. An explanation might be easily understood, but it could also be lengthy and contain superfluous details. Conversely, a concise statement might be brief but not always clear if it omits critical information for the sake of brevity.
Being both "Clear" and "Concise" is often a goal in effective communication. It ensures that the audience understands the message without wading through unnecessary information. While clarity ensures the absence of confusion, conciseness ensures the absence of verbosity.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Easily understood; free from ambiguity.
Brief and to the point without unnecessary details.
Primary Focus
Understandability of content.
Brevity of content.
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Usage
Ensuring messages are not confusing or ambiguous.
Eliminating excess words or information.
Potential Pitfall
Might be lengthy if clarity requires detailed explanation.
Might omit some details for the sake of brevity.
Examples
Clear instructions, clear explanation.
Concise summary, concise report.
Primary Usage
Understanding and lack of ambiguity.
Brevity and succinctness.
Contextual Emphasis
Purity, transparency.
Economy of words.
Clear and Concise Definitions
Clear
Transparent; easily seen through.
The water was so clear that you could see the bottom.
Concise
Expressing or covering matters in few words without unnecessary details.
The report was concise and to the point.
Clear
Unobstructed; free from anything that darkens or dims.
The sky was clear with not a cloud in sight.
Concise
Brief but comprehensive.
His lecture was concise yet informative.
Clear
Distinct to the senses or mind.
He spoke in a clear voice.
Concise
Not prolonged or expanded unnecessarily.
The instructions were concise and easy to follow.
Clear
Beyond doubt or question.
The evidence made his guilt clear.
Concise
Giving much information in few words.
She gave a concise overview of the project.
Clear
Free from obstructions or obstacles.
The path ahead was clear.
Concise
Short and to the point.
He gave a concise summary of the event.
Clear
Free from clouds, mist, or haze
A clear day.
Concise
Covering the main points succinctly.
The lecture was concise, covering key concepts.
Clear
Not obscured or darkened; bright
Clear daylight.
A clear yellow.
Concise
Eliminating superfluous elements.
Her writing style is clean and concise.
Clear
Easily seen through; transparent
Clear water.
Concise
Being succinct.
The manager appreciated his concise feedback.
Clear
Free from flaw, blemish, or impurity
A clear, perfect diamond.
A clear record with the police.
Concise
Marked by brevity of expression.
Her speech was concise but impactful.
Clear
Free from impediment, obstruction, or hindrance; open
A clear view.
A clear path to victory.
Concise
Expressing much in few words; clear and succinct.
Clear
Plain or evident to the mind; unmistakable
A clear case of cheating.
Concise
Brief, yet including all important information
Clear
Easily perceptible to the eye or ear; distinct
The clear call of a songbird.
Concise
(obsolete) Physically short or truncated
Clear
Discerning or perceiving easily; keen
A clear mind.
Concise
To make concise; to abridge or summarize.
Clear
Free from doubt or confusion; certain
His meaning is clear.
Concise
Expressing much in a few words; condensed; brief and compacted; - used of style in writing or speaking.
The concise style, which expresseth not enough, but leaves somewhat to be understood.
Where the author is . . . too brief and concise, amplify a little.
Clear
Free from qualification or limitation; absolute
A clear winner.
Concise
Expressing much in few words;
A concise explanation
Clear
Free from guilt; untroubled
A clear conscience.
Clear
Having been freed from contact, proximity, or connection
At last we were clear of the danger. The ship was clear of the reef.
Clear
Free from charges or deductions; net
A clear profit.
Clear
Containing nothing
The ship's hold was clear.
Clear
Distinctly; clearly
Spoke loud and clear.
Clear
Out of the way; completely away
Stood clear of the doors.
Clear
(Informal) All the way; completely
Slept clear through the night.
Read the book clear to the end.
Clear
To make light, clear, or bright
The wind cleared the sky of clouds.
Clear
To rid of impurities, blemishes, muddiness, or foreign matter
The new filter cleared the water.
Clear
To free from confusion, doubt, or ambiguity; make plain or intelligible
Cleared up the question of responsibility.
Clear
To rid of objects or obstructions
Clear the table.
Clear the road of debris.
Clear
To make (a way or clearing) by removing obstructions
Clear a path through the jungle.
Clear
To remove (objects or obstructions)
Clear the dishes.
Clear snow from the road.
Clear
To remove the occupants of
Clear the theater.
Clear
To remove (people)
Clear the children from the room.
Clear
To move or shoot (a ball or puck) away from the goal or out of the defensive zone.
Clear
To clear a ball or puck out of (the defensive zone), as in lacrosse or hockey.
Clear
To rid (a memory location or buffer, for example) of instructions or data.
Clear
To remove (instructions or data) from memory.
Clear
To free from a legal charge or imputation of guilt; acquit
Cleared the suspect of the murder charge.
Clear
To pass by, under, or over without contact
The boat cleared the dock.
Clear
To settle (a debt).
Clear
To gain (a given amount) as net profit or earnings.
Clear
To pass (a bill of exchange, such as a check) through a clearing-house.
Clear
To secure the approval of
The bill cleared the Senate.
Clear
To authorize or approve
Cleared the material for publication.
Clear
To free (a ship or cargo) from legal detention at a harbor by fulfilling customs and harbor requirements.
Clear
To give clearance or authorization to
Cleared the plane to land.
Clear
To free (the throat) of phlegm by making a rasping sound.
Clear
To become clear
The sky cleared.
Clear
To go away; disappear
The fog cleared.
Clear
To exchange checks and bills or settle accounts through a clearing-house.
Clear
To pass through the banking system and be debited and credited to the relevant accounts
The check cleared.
Clear
To comply with customs and harbor requirements in discharging a cargo or in leaving or entering a port.
Clear
A clear or open space.
Clear
Transparent in colour.
As clear as crystal
Clear
Bright; luminous; not dark or obscured.
The windshield was clear and clean.
Congress passed the President’s Clear Skies legislation.
Clear
Free of obstacles.
The driver had mistakenly thought the intersection was clear.
The coast is clear.
Clear
Without clouds.
Clear weather; a clear day
Clear
(meteorology) Of the sky, such that less than one eighth of its area is obscured by clouds.
Clear
Free of ambiguity or doubt.
He gave clear instructions not to bother him at work.
Do I make myself clear? Crystal clear.
I'm still not quite clear on what some of these words mean.
Clear
Distinct, sharp, well-marked.
Clear
(figuratively) Free of guilt, or suspicion.
A clear conscience
Clear
(of a soup) Without a thickening ingredient.
Clear
Possessing little or no perceptible stimulus.
Clear of texture; clear of odor
Clear
(Scientology) Free from the influence of engrams; see Clear (Scientology).
Clear
Able to perceive clearly; keen; acute; penetrating; discriminating.
A clear intellect; a clear head
Clear
Not clouded with passion; serene; cheerful.
Clear
Easily or distinctly heard; audible.
Clear
Unmixed; entirely pure.
Clear sand
Clear
Without defects or blemishes, such as freckles or knots.
A clear complexion; clear lumber
Clear
Without diminution; in full; net.
A clear profit
Clear
Showing a green aspect, allowing a train to proceed past it.
Clear
All the way; entirely.
I threw it clear across the river to the other side.
Clear
Not near something or touching it.
Stand clear of the rails, a train is coming.
Clear
Free (or separate) from others.
Clear
In a clear manner; plainly.
Clear
(transitive) To remove obstructions, impediments or other unwanted items from.
Police took two hours to clear the road.
If you clear the table, I'll wash up.
Clear
(transitive) To remove (items or material) so as to leave something unobstructed or open.
Please clear all this stuff off the table.
The loggers came and cleared the trees.
Clear
(intransitive) To leave abruptly; to clear off or clear out.
Clear
(intransitive) To become free from obstruction or obscurement; to become transparent.
When the road cleared we continued our journey.
After a heavy rain, the sky cleared nicely for the evening.
Shake the test tube well, and the liquid should slowly clear.
Clear
(transitive) To eliminate ambiguity or doubt from (a matter); to clarify or resolve; to clear up.
We need to clear this issue once and for all.
Clear
(transitive) To remove from suspicion, especially of having committed a crime.
The court cleared the man of murder.
Clear
(transitive) To pass without interference; to miss.
The door just barely clears the table as it closes.
The leaping horse easily cleared the hurdles.
Clear
To exceed a stated mark.
She was the first female high jumper to clear two metres.
Clear
To finish or complete (a stage, challenge, or game).
I cleared the first level in 36 seconds.
Clear
(intransitive) Of a check or financial transaction, to go through as payment; to be processed so that the money is transferred.
The check might not clear for a couple of days.
Clear
To earn a profit of; to net.
He's been clearing seven thousand a week.
Clear
(transitive) To approve or authorise for a particular purpose or action; to give clearance to.
Air traffic control cleared the plane to land.
The marketing department has cleared the press release for publication.
Clear
(transitive) To obtain approval or authorisation in respect of.
I've cleared the press release with the marketing department, so go ahead and publish it.
Clear
(intransitive) To obtain a clearance.
The steamer cleared for Liverpool today.
Clear
(transitive) To obtain permission to use (a sample of copyrighted audio) in another track.
Clear
To disengage oneself from incumbrances, distress, or entanglements; to become free.
Clear
To hit, kick, head, punch etc. (a ball, puck) away in order to defend one's goal.
The goalkeeper rushed forward to clear the ball.
A low cross came in, and Smith cleared.
Clear
To reset or unset; to return to an empty state or to zero.
To clear an array;
To clear a single bit (binary digit) in a value
Clear
To style (an element within a document) so that it is not permitted to float at a given position.
Clear
(carpentry) Full extent; distance between extreme limits; especially; the distance between the nearest surfaces of two bodies, or the space between walls.
A room ten feet square in the clear
Clear
(video games) The completion of a stage or challenge, or of the whole game.
It took me weeks to achieve a one-credit clear (1CC).
Clear
(Scientology) A person who is free from the influence of engrams.
Clear
Free from opaqueness; transparent; bright; light; luminous; unclouded.
The stream is so transparent, pure, and clear.
Fair as the moon, clear as the sun.
Clear
Free from ambiguity or indistinctness; lucid; perspicuous; plain; evident; manifest; indubitable.
One truth is clear; whatever is, is right.
Clear
Able to perceive clearly; keen; acute; penetrating; discriminating; as, a clear intellect; a clear head.
Mother of science! now I feel thy powerWithin me clear, not only to discernThings in their causes, but to trace the waysOf highest agents.
Clear
Not clouded with passion; serene; cheerful.
With a countenance as clearAs friendship wears at feasts.
Clear
Easily or distinctly heard; audible; canorous.
Hark! the numbers soft and clearGently steal upon the ear.
Clear
Without mixture; entirely pure; as, clear sand.
Clear
Without defect or blemish, such as freckles or knots; as, a clear complexion; clear lumber.
Clear
Free from guilt or stain; unblemished.
Statesman, yet friend to truth! in soul sincere,In action faithful, and in honor clear.
Clear
Without diminution; in full; net; as, clear profit.
I often wished that I had clear,For life, six hundred pounds a-year.
Clear
Free from impediment or obstruction; unobstructed; as, a clear view; to keep clear of debt.
My companion . . . left the way clear for him.
Clear
Free from embarrassment; detention, etc.
The cruel corporal whispered in my ear,Five pounds, if rightly tipped, would set me clear.
Clear
Full extent; distance between extreme limits; especially; the distance between the nearest surfaces of two bodies, or the space between walls; as, a room ten feet square in the clear.
Clear
In a clear manner; plainly.
Now clear I understandWhat oft . . . thoughts have searched in vain.
Clear
Without limitation; wholly; quite; entirely; as, to cut a piece clear off.
Clear
To render bright, transparent, or undimmed; to free from clouds.
He sweeps the skies and clears the cloudy north.
Clear
To free from impurities; to clarify; to cleanse.
Clear
To free from obscurity or ambiguity; to relive of perplexity; to make perspicuous.
Many knotty points there areWhich all discuss, but few can clear.
Clear
To render more quick or acute, as the understanding; to make perspicacious.
Our common prints would clear up their understandings.
Clear
To free from impediment or incumbrance, from defilement, or from anything injurious, useless, or offensive; as, to clear land of trees or brushwood, or from stones; to clear the sight or the voice; to clear one's self from debt; - often used with of, off, away, or out.
Clear your mind of cant.
A statue lies hid in a block of marble; and the art of the statuary only clears away the superfluous matter.
Clear
To free from the imputation of guilt; to justify, vindicate, or acquit; - often used with from before the thing imputed.
I . . . am sure he will clear me from partiality.
How! wouldst thou clear rebellion?
Clear
To leap or pass by, or over, without touching or failure; as, to clear a hedge; to clear a reef.
Clear
To gain without deduction; to net.
The profit which she cleared on the cargo.
Clear
To become free from clouds or fog; to become fair; - of the weather; - often followed by up, off, or away.
So foul a sky clears not without a storm.
Advise him to stay till the weather clears up.
Clear
To become free from turbidity; - of solutions or suspensions of liquids; as, the salt has not completely dissolved until the suspension clears up; when refrigerated, the juice may become cloudy, but when warmed to room temperature, it clears up again.
Clear
To disengage one's self from incumbrances, distress, or entanglements; to become free.
He that clears at once will relapse; for finding himself out of straits, he will revert to his customs; but he that cleareth by degrees induceth a habit of frugality.
Clear
To make exchanges of checks and bills, and settle balances, as is done in a clearing house.
Clear
To obtain a clearance; as, the steamer cleared for Liverpool to-day.
Clear
The state of being free of suspicion;
Investigation showed that he was in the clear
Clear
A clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water;
Finally broke out of the forest into the open
Clear
Rid of obstructions;
Clear your desk
Clear
Make a way or path by removing objects;
Clear a path through the dense forest
Clear
Become clear;
The sky cleared after the storm
Clear
Grant authorization or clearance for;
Clear the manuscript for publication
The rock star never authorized this slanderous biography
Clear
Remove;
Clear the leaves from the lawn
Clear snow from the road
Clear
Go unchallenged; be approved;
The bill cleared the House
Clear
Be debited and credited to the proper bank accounts;
The check will clear within 2 business days
Clear
Go away or disappear;
The fog cleared in the afternoon
Clear
Pass by, over, or under without making contact;
The balloon cleared the tree tops
Clear
Make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear;
Could you clarify these remarks?
Clear up the question of who is at fault
Clear
Free from payment of customs duties, as of a shipment;
Clear the ship and let it dock
Clear
Clear from impurities, blemishes, pollution, etc.;
Clear the water before it can be drunk
Clear
Yield as a net profit;
This sale netted me $1 million
Clear
Make as a net profit;
The company cleared $1 million
Clear
Earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages;
How much do you make a month in your new job?
She earns a lot in her new job
This merger brought in lots of money
He clears $5,000 each month
Clear
Sell;
We cleared a lot of the old model cars
Clear
Pass an inspection or receive authorization;
Clear customs
Clear
Pronounce not guilty of criminal charges;
The suspect was cleared of the murder charges
Clear
Settle, as of a debt;
Clear a debt
Solve an old debt
Clear
Make clear, bright, light, or translucent;
The water had to be cleared through filtering
Clear
Rid of instructions or data;
Clear a memory buffer
Clear
Remove (people) from a building;
Clear the patrons from the theater after the bomb threat
Clear
Remove the occupants of;
Clear the building
Clear
Free (the throat) by making a rasping sound;
Clear the throat
Clear
Clear to the mind;
A clear and present danger
A clear explanation
A clear case of murder
A clear indication that she was angry
Gave us a clear idea of human nature
Clear
Free from confusion or doubt;
A complex problem requiring a clear head
Not clear about what is expected of us
Clear
Affording free passage or view;
A clear view
A clear path to victory
Clear
Free from cloudiness; allowing light to pass through;
Clear water
Clear plastic bags
Clear glass
The air is clear and clean
Clear
Free from contact or proximity or connection;
We were clear of the danger
The ship was clear of the reef
Clear
Characterized by freedom from troubling thoughts (especially guilt);
A clear conscience
Regarded her questioner with clear untroubled eyes
Clear
(of sound or color) free from anything that dulls or dims;
Efforts to obtain a clean bass in orchestral recordings
Clear laughter like a waterfall
Clear reds and blues
A light lilting voice like a silver bell
Clear
(especially of a title) free from any encumberance or limitation that presents a question of fact or law;
I have clear title to this property
Clear
Clear and distinct to the senses; easily perceptible;
As clear as a whistle
Clear footprints in the snow
The letter brought back a clear image of his grandfather
A spire clean-cut against the sky
A clear-cut pattern
Clear
Accurately stated or described;
A set of well-defined values
Clear
Free from clouds or mist or haze;
On a clear day
Clear
Free of restrictions or qualifications;
A clean bill of health
A clear winner
Clear
Free from flaw or blemish or impurity;
A clear perfect diamond
Clear
Clear of charges or deductions;
A clear profit
Clear
Easily deciphered
Clear
Freed from any question of guilt;
Is absolved from all blame
Was now clear of the charge of cowardice
His official honor is vindicated
Clear
Characterized by ease and quickness in perceiving;
Clear mind
A percipient author
Clear
Of complexion; without such blemishes as e.g. acne;
The clear complexion of a healthy young woman
Clear
Completely;
Read the book clear to the end
Slept clear through the night
There were open fields clear to the horizon
Clear
In an easily perceptible manner;
Could be seen clearly under the microscope
She cried loud and clear
Clear
Free from confusion or ambiguity.
Her explanation was clear and straightforward.
Clear
Easily understood without ambiguity.
Her directions were clear and easy to follow.
Clear
Transparent and free from impurities.
The lake's water was crystal clear.
Clear
Audible without distortion.
His voice came through loud and clear.
Clear
Beyond doubt or dispute.
The verdict was clear and unanimous.
FAQs
Is being clear important for teaching?
Yes, clarity ensures students understand concepts.
Can a message be both clear and concise?
Yes, it can be brief and easily understood.
Why is being concise valued in business?
Conciseness often leads to efficient communication.
Why might concise writing be challenging?
It requires conveying full meaning with fewer words.
Can concise messages sometimes be unclear?
Yes, brevity might occasionally omit clarifying details.
Does clear writing require simple language?
Often, but the key is being easily understood, regardless of language complexity.
Does clear communication prevent all misunderstandings?
It minimizes them, but misunderstandings can still occur.
Does clear always mean short?
No, clarity might require detailed explanations.
Can clear messages be misinterpreted?
While clarity reduces chances, no message is immune to misinterpretation.
Can a concise book still be a long book?
Yes, if the topic demands depth and is presented without unnecessary detail.
Is being concise always beneficial?
Mostly, but critical details shouldn't be omitted for brevity.
In which professions is conciseness especially valued?
Journalism, business, and law often prioritize concise communication.
Does clear also mean honest?
Not necessarily. A message can be clear yet misleading.
Does clear always refer to understanding?
No, "clear" can also refer to visibility, audibility, or absence of obstacles.
Is clarity more about the sender or receiver of a message?
Both. The sender should ensure clarity, but the receiver's understanding confirms it.
Is being too clear an issue?
Overexplaining might be seen as condescending or redundant.
Can concise speeches be powerful?
Absolutely. Brevity can often enhance impact.
Is it always better to be concise?
Being concise is valued in many contexts, but not at the expense of clarity.
What's an example of a clear but not concise statement?
"The cat, which is a furry, four-legged creature, climbed the tall, wooden, leafy tree."
How can I make my writing both clear and concise?
Prioritize essential information, avoid redundancies, and use straightforward language.
Is a concise statement always shorter than a clear one?
Not necessarily. A concise statement is brief and to the point, but a clear statement can be longer.
Which is more important, clear or concise?
Context dictates. Clarity is key for understanding, while conciseness benefits efficiency.
Can a statement be concise without being clear?
Yes, something can be brief (concise) but unclear if vital details are omitted.
Can "clear" also mean to approve or authorize?
Yes, like "clearing" someone for access.
Is a clear image the same as a high-resolution image?
Not necessarily. Clear refers to visibility, while resolution refers to detail.
Can concise also relate to visual presentations?
Yes, visuals can be concise by presenting only essential information.
Why might an author choose not to be concise?
To provide depth, context, or a certain writing style or tone.
Can something be clear but not concise?
Yes, a message can be easily understood (clear) but lengthy.
Is "concise" synonymous with "short"?
Not always. "Concise" emphasizes brevity with clarity, not just length.
Can "clear" refer to visuals?
Yes, like a "clear picture" or "clear sky."
Why is being concise valued in business communication?
Conciseness saves time and keeps the audience's attention.
Are there times when it's better to be less concise?
In some contexts, elaboration might be needed for thorough understanding.
Does clear writing always mean simple writing?
Not necessarily, but clear writing avoids unnecessary complexity.
What's a tool to help with concise writing?
Editing and revising can help in removing redundancies.
In what contexts is it most crucial to be both clear and concise?
Business communications, instructions, and academic abstracts often prioritize both.
How can I ensure my message remains clear when being concise?
Focus on the essential information and ensure your wording remains straightforward.
How does clear speech differ from clear writing?
Clear speech emphasizes audibility and articulation, while clear writing emphasizes understanding.
Can being too concise lead to misunderstandings?
Yes, omitting key information can make a message unclear.
How do clear and concise relate to effective communication?
They ensure the message is understood and retains the audience's attention.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
