Vocabulary: clearance vs. gap

[Curious Cat]

Hi friends,

I don't use these terms very often but I'd like to know the difference. I know they can be synonyms, or they cannot. I'm interested in the cases when they are not synonyms

Sorry I'm not providing any context. I actually do not have any, just a query alone.

Just to make it more specific:
e.g when speaking about a specially adjusted space b/n things - would you call it a gap or a clearance?
Is there some difference related to "the direction" - I mean horizontal vs. vertical?

I'd appreciate any help, thanks.

[Curious Cat]

So, nobody to help Cat out?

Please feel free to ask any details if I'm not expressing myself clear enough, I suppose I can be inaccurate sometimes in explaining what I need...

Still hoping to get some feedback

[herbiji]

Hello Curious Cat ..
clearance ' the distance bettwen one object and another passing beneath or beside it
eg... The clearance beween the bridge and the top of the car was only 10 feet ...so the direction here is vertical

The second word ' gap '
means an empty space between two objects or two parts of an object
and it means an amount of distance or difference
eg .. There's a gap of two miles between us and the nearst house
so we see here that the dirction is horizontal
I hope this help you

[Tdol]

A gap can also be used for something that isn't physical, like the generation gap.

[Tomasz Klimkiewicz]

I may be wrong, but to me 'clearance' implies some space between objects that has been intentionally left or made. 'Gap' does not necessarily convey that kind of meaning, even though it represents space, too. Also, 'clearance' tends to be a technical term, while 'gap' is used more in everyday speech.

[Curious Cat]

Oh thanks a lot, people!

That was all very helpful for me to test if I have any gaps in my knowledge
Thanks again for your explanations.

CC

[Tdol]

'Gap' is often used for a space that ought to be filled.

[Curious Cat]

That's what I'm here for - to fill my gaps
Thanks.