Clutter Meaning and Definition

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Clutter

Clutter

Pronunciation

/ˈklʌtər/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A disorderly or chaotic accumulation of things, making it difficult to find or use them; a state of being cluttered or congested.

Examples

  • The room was in complete clutter after the party.
  • The garage was a clutter of broken appliances and old tools.

Synonyms

  • Disarray
  • Chaos
  • Clamour

Antonyms

  • Order
  • Sanity
  • Clearness

Etymology

The word “clutter” has its roots in Old English, from the word “clodder”, meaning “to fill with weeds or rubbish.

Additional Information

Clutter can have a significant impact on mental and physical well-being, making it essential to maintain a clutter-free living and working space. Regular cleaning and organizing can help alleviate stress and improve focus. In professional settings, clutter can also negatively affect productivity and morale.

Common areas where clutter tends to accumulate include desks, shelves, garages, and closets. Taking steps to declutter these spaces can lead to increased efficiency and a sense of calm.

Usage Notes

When using the word “clutter” in a sentence, it’s essential to consider the context. For example, “The room was cluttered with dirty laundry” implies a sense of disorganization, while “The shop was cluttered with products” might suggest a busy but well-organized environment. Pay attention to the tone and connotation of the word to convey the intended meaning.

Cultural References

References to clutter can be found in various forms of media, such as the TV show “Clean Sweep” which focuses on decluttering and organizing, or the book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo, which emphasizes the importance of decluttering and minimizing possessions.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

  • “Cluttered with ideas” – having a lot of thoughts or plans simultaneously
  • “Clutter up” – to make something messy or disorganized
  • “Free from clutter” – free from distractions or obstacles

Related Words or Phrases

  • Disorder
  • Disorganization
  • Mess

Collocations

  • Cluttered desk
  • Cluttered garage
  • Cluttered mind

Frequency of Use

The word “clutter” is commonly used in everyday language, often to describe a sense of disorganization or chaos. It’s estimated that the average person uses the word multiple times a week, especially when describing their workspace or living environment.

Common Misspellings

  • Clutter -> Cluter
  • Clutter -> Clutered

Related Words