clean-shaven
|clean/shav/en|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌklinˈʃeɪvən/
🇬🇧
/ˌkliːnˈʃeɪvən/
smooth face
Etymology
Etymology Information
'clean-shaven' originates from the combination of 'clean' and 'shaven', where 'clean' meant 'free from dirt' and 'shaven' meant 'having had the hair removed by shaving'.
Historical Evolution
'clean-shaven' changed from the Old English word 'clæne' and the past participle 'sceafan' and eventually became the modern English word 'clean-shaven'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'having a face free from hair', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a face without any facial hair, especially after shaving.
He always looks professional and clean-shaven for work.
Synonyms
smooth-facedshaven
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/03/02 19:47