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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Clean: Definition, Pronunciation, and Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：free from dirt (clean)

clean 🔊

/kliːn/

adj., v.

Describes something that has no dirt, dust, or marks on it; not dirty.

Clean window glass with no smudges and a plant on sill

free from dirt 🔊

➕

/friː frʌm dɜːrt/

adj., v.

Indicates that an object or surface is not contaminated by dirt, dust, or stains.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English clæne, from Proto-Germanic *klainiz, meaning 'clear, pure'.

💡 Mnemonic

Clean: 'C' for 'clear' + 'lean' as in leaning to scrub.

📖 Example

After she finished mopping, the kitchen floor was sparkling clean. 🔊 After she finished mopping, the kitchen floor was sparkling clean.

🔗 Collocations

clean air – air that is free from pollutants and fresh

clean clothes – garments that are washed and free from dirt

clean slate – a fresh start without past mistakes

🔄 Synonyms

spotless (adj.) – completely clean, without any marks or stains

immaculate (adj.) – perfectly clean, as if never used or touched

pristine (adj.) – in original, clean condition; unspoiled

🚫 Antonyms

dirty (adj.) – covered or marked with dirt

filthy (adj.) – extremely dirty, often disgustingly so

grimy (adj.) – covered with a layer of grime or soot

🌱 Derivatives

cleanly (adv.) – in a clean manner

cleanliness (n.) – the state of being clean

cleaning (n.) – the action of making something clean

📖 Cultural Story

From Old English clæne (clear, pure). Its meaning shifted to denote absence of dirt. Central to hygiene; used in idioms like 'clean slate'.

Meaning 2：make clean (clean)

clean 🔊

/kliːn/

adj., v.

To remove dirt, marks, or unwanted substances from something; to make something clean.

Person cleaning kitchen counter with sponge and soap suds

make clean 🔊

➕

/meɪk kliːn/

adj., v.

To remove dirt, marks, or unwanted substances from something; to make something clean.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

I need to clean my room this weekend because my parents are coming to visit. 🔊 I need to clean my room this weekend because my parents are coming to visit.

🔗 Collocations

clean the house – to perform general housekeeping tasks to remove dirt

clean the windows – to wipe glass surfaces until they are spotless

clean up – to make a place tidy and free of mess

🔄 Synonyms

wash (v.) – to clean something using water and usually soap

scrub (v.) – to rub something hard to remove dirt

tidy (v.) – to make a place neat and orderly

🚫 Antonyms

dirty (v.) – to make something unclean

mess up (v.) – to make something untidy or disordered

soil (v.) – to make something dirty, especially with a stain

🌱 Derivatives

cleaner (n.) – a person or thing that cleans

cleaning (n.) – the activity of making something clean

cleanable (adj.) – able to be cleaned