clean of meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clean of meaning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks significance or clarity, often in a context where the intended message is obscured or absent. Example: "The artist's latest work left many critics puzzled, as it seemed clean of meaning, failing to convey any clear message or emotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She wiped them clean of meaning.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Prepositions: the San Andreasfault of meaning.

The New Yorker

This is a distinction drained of meaning.

The New York Times

Mr. Tynek likes layers of meaning.

The New York Times - Arts

The titles function as apostrophes of meaning.

The New Yorker

Concepts consist in relational structures of meaning.

SEP

In Canada, she noted, eighty per cent of energy is clean, meaning that the nation's electric grid is mostly not backstopped by coal.

The New Yorker

If the toothpick comes out clean (meaning free of any sticky crumbs), then it's finished.

WikiHow

A corrupt fertiliser subsidy has been cleaned up, meaning 70% of farmers now receive subsidy vouchers directly via their mobile phones.

The Guardian

In another incident, scald tanks were not cleaned for days, meaning hundreds of thousands of birds were processed through unchanged dirty water.

The Guardian

They are often "clean", meaning that if you dip your nets in one bit of sea, you catch one species.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clean of meaning" to describe something that has been stripped of its original significance or intent, such as an overused metaphor or a misinterpreted symbol.

Common error

Avoid using "clean of meaning" when you simply mean something is unclear or confusing. The phrase implies a more deliberate or thorough removal of meaning, not just a lack of clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clean of meaning" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a lack of significance or purpose. As Ludwig states, it describes something that lacks clarity or whose intended message is obscured or absent.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "clean of meaning" is a grammatically correct but infrequent way to describe something lacking significance or clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests a deliberate removal or stripping of meaning rather than a simple lack of understanding. Although not widely used, it appears in reputable sources like The New Yorker and The New York Times. For alternative expressions, consider phrases such as "devoid of meaning" or "empty of significance", ensuring the chosen phrase accurately reflects the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Devoid of meaning

Indicates a complete absence of meaning, similar to "clean of meaning" but perhaps stronger in implication.

Empty of significance

Emphasizes the lack of importance or consequence, differing slightly from a lack of inherent meaning.

Lacking in substance

Focuses on the absence of depth or richness in content, a variation of lacking meaning.

Vacuous in content

Highlights the emptiness or hollowness of the subject matter, implying a lack of intellectual or emotional value.

Bereft of content

Similar to "devoid", but may imply a loss or removal of content that was previously present.

Without significance

A more straightforward way of saying something lacks importance or special meaning.

Meaningless

A single-word alternative indicating a lack of purpose or significance.

Insignificant

Stresses the unimportance or triviality of something.

Deconstructed of significance

Suggests the meaning was actively taken apart.

Divested of semantic load

Formally indicates something that lost all semantic meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "clean of meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "clean of meaning" to describe something that has lost its significance or has been deliberately stripped of its intended message. For example, "The politician's speech was so full of jargon that it seemed "devoid of meaning"".

What's a more common way to say "clean of meaning"?

Alternatives include "devoid of meaning", "empty of significance", or simply "meaningless". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "clean of meaning" grammatically correct?

Yes, "clean of meaning" is grammatically correct, although it is not a particularly common phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

When should I use "clean of meaning" instead of "unclear"?

Use "clean of meaning" when something has been thoroughly stripped of its original significance. "Unclear" simply means the meaning is not easily understood, while "clean of meaning" implies a more complete absence of meaning.