Blear is a word that may not be familiar to many people, but it is a term that has a specific meaning. Understanding the definition and meaning of blear can help to expand one’s vocabulary and understanding of language.
Definitions
Blear can be defined as having a blurred or dim appearance, often due to tiredness or illness. It can also refer to the act of making something blurred or indistinct, such as blearing one’s vision by rubbing their eyes.
Origin
The word blear has its roots in Old English, where it was used to describe the blurring or dimming of vision. It is related to the word “bleary,” which has a similar meaning.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of blear can vary slightly depending on the dictionary consulted. For example, the Oxford English Dictionary defines blear as “to make or become blurred or dimmed,” while Merriam-Webster defines it as “to make (the eyes) sore or watery by rubbing or being rubbed.”
Associations
Blear is often associated with tiredness, illness, or excessive alcohol consumption. It can also be used to describe a hazy or unclear memory or thought.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for blear include blurry, dim, indistinct, foggy, and hazy.
Antonyms
Antonyms for blear include clear, sharp, distinct, and focused.
The same root words
As previously mentioned, blear is related to the word “bleary,” which has a similar meaning. Other words with the same root include “blear-eyed,” “bleariness,” and “bleared.”
Example Sentences
- After a long day of work, her vision became blear and she had to rest her eyes.
- He rubbed his eyes until they were blear and sore.
- The memory of that night was blear and indistinct in her mind.
- The fog made everything appear blear and hazy.
- She struggled to read the blear text on the page.