What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
visible
Example
The stars were visible in the night sky. [visible: adjective]
Example
The problem was visible to everyone in the room. [visible: adjective]
clear
Example
The instructions were clear and easy to follow. [clear: adjective]
Example
The water was so clear that you could see the fish swimming. [clear: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clear is more commonly used than visible in everyday language. Clear is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while visible is more specific and often used in scientific or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between visible and clear?
Both visible and clear can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, visible may be considered more technical or scientific, while clear is more commonly used in everyday language.