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Glite Dictionary
en clair

en clair

9.9
In plain, clear words that anyone can understand
  • idiom
translation icon : en claro
  • He summarized the technical report en clair for the committee.

Examples

  • Please explain your findings en clair so that the public can understand.

  • The message was transmitted en clair for everyone to read.

  • Please explain this en clair for everyone to understand.

  • The teacher spoke en clair so that all students could follow.

  • The teacher spoke en clair so that all students could follow.

  • Please explain your findings en clair so that the public can understand.

  • The message was transmitted en clair for everyone to read.

Synonyms

crystal clear
vsen clair
  • Informal
43 2.5

Very easy to understand or hear

is direct plain language without codes rather than merely very obvious
in no uncertain terms
vsen clair
16 4.2

In a very clear, direct way that leaves no doubt

is plain language expressed without code rather than a forceful emphasis

Antonyms

ambiguously
3 6.7

In a way that can have more than one meaning

Surface Forms

en clair positive

Morphology

en + clair

Although 'en clair' is a French loanphrase rather than native English morphology, its meaning 'in plain/clear terms' is directly compositional from 'en' (in) + 'clair' (clear). Because the phrase maps transparently onto English 'in clear terms' and similar constructions in other languages, a learner who knows the constituent meanings can reliably infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

En clair comes from French words en and clair, which mean 'in' and 'clear', like something shown in bright light instead of hidden. So the phrase came to mean 'in plain language' or 'not in code', which is why we use it today for information that everyone can read.