Vocabulary
clarity
noun·/KLAIR-uh-tee/
The quality of being clear and easy to understand, see, or think about. Clarity is what is left when confusion is removed.
Clarity is one of the most valuable qualities in communication, thinking, and leadership. "Clarity of thought," "clarity of writing," "a moment of clarity." It is the goal behind most good editing and most good speaking: not more words, but a clearer message. In a world of noise, the person who brings clarity, who makes the confusing thing simple, is the one people follow. It is the noun form of "clear."
5 ways to use “clarity” in a sentence
- “What the plan needs is not more detail, it is more clarity.”
- “She has a gift for bringing clarity to a chaotic discussion.”
- “I finally got some clarity on what I actually want.”
- “Write for clarity first; cleverness second.”
- “A leader's job is often just to provide clarity about what matters.”
Now say "clarity" out loud, in your own sentence.
The fastest way to actually own a word is to use it when you speak, not just read it. Practice in TalkStride and get scored on how clearly it comes out.
Common mistakes
- Confusing it with "charity," which sounds similar but is unrelated.
- Treating clarity as the same as simplicity. A complex idea can be expressed with clarity; clarity is about being understood.
- Adding words to seem thorough when clarity calls for cutting them.
Similar words, and how they differ
simplicity
Simplicity is being uncomplicated. Clarity is being easy to understand, which sometimes needs detail, not just less.
transparency
Transparency is openness and honesty about information. Clarity is about being easy to understand.
precision
Precision is exactness. Clarity is understandability; you can be clear without being perfectly precise, and vice versa.