Words / B2

KLEERR-uh-ns/ˈklɪərəns/

Clearance is official permission, or the removal of things: security clearance; slum clearance; clearance of stock. Permission is everyday; authorisation is more formal. She could not start without security clearance. Do not mix with clearness (clarity).

Meaning

Official permission; also the removal of things from a place (security clearance; slum clearance).

Examples

• “She could not start until security clearance came through.”
• “Planning clearance delayed the lab by a term, which is the permission sense.”

Good to know

security / planning / customs clearance. Retail: a clearance sale. Removal: slum clearance. Everyday: permission. Mix-up: clarity / clearness.

Near in meaning

permission

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