The phrase "clearing away" is spelled with the IPA transcription /ˈklɪə.rɪŋ əˈweɪ/. The first part of the phrase, "clearing," is spelled with the IPA transcription /ˈklɪə.rɪŋ/, where the "r" sound is pronounced after the "l" sound. The second part, "away," is spelled with the IPA transcription /əˈweɪ/, with the stress on the second syllable. Together, the phrase means to remove something to make space or tidy up, such as "clearing away the dishes after dinner."
The term "clearing away" is a phrasal verb that commonly refers to the act of removing or getting rid of things that are obstructing a particular area or space. It involves tidying up, organizing, or disposing of items that have been left in a disorderly or messy manner.
In a physical sense, "clearing away" can involve removing clutter, debris, or unwanted objects from a room, a table, a desk, or any other surface. This process typically aims to create a neater and more organized environment. It may also involve tidying up after an activity or event, such as clearing away dishes, cups, and food after a meal or cleaning up after a party.
Furthermore, "clearing away" can extend beyond the physical realm. It can also refer to the process of mentally or emotionally removing obstacles, distractions, or negative thoughts from one's mind. This may involve decluttering one's thoughts, finding clarity, or letting go of unnecessary mental burdens in order to achieve a focused and clear mindset.
Ultimately, "clearing away" encapsulates the action of removing, tidying, or organizing objects or thoughts in a way that results in a cleaner, uncluttered, and clearer space, both physically and mentally.
The word "clearing away" is a phrase rather than a single word, and it is composed of the verb "clear" and the adverb "away". The etymology of "clear" can be traced back to the Middle English word "cler", which meant bright or light. This Middle English word was derived from the Old French term "cler", having the same meaning. Both the Middle English and Old French words can be linked to the Latin word "clarus", meaning clear or bright. On the other hand, the word "away" has Old English origins, specifically from the word "onweg" which means on or from a place. Over time, "onweg" evolved into "aweg" and eventually became the word "away" in Modern English. Therefore, the etymology of "clearing away" is a combination of these two etymological paths.