The Spanish verb 'limpiar' (to clean) comes from the Spanish adjective 'limpio' (clean) combined with the verbal suffix '-ar'. The adjective 'limpio' itself derives from the Latin word 'limpidus', meaning 'clear' or 'spotless'. This shows how the basic meaning of clarity and cleanliness has been preserved from Latin to modern Spanish, with the verb formation making it an action rather than just a description.

A simpler and very common related Spanish word is the adjective 'limpio' (clean). This is actually the base word from which 'limpiar' was formed. When you see 'limpio', you're looking at the quality of being clean, while 'limpiar' is the action of making something clean.

The English word 'limpid' is a direct relative of the Spanish 'limpiar', as both come from Latin 'limpidus'. In English, 'limpid' has retained more of the original Latin sense of 'clear' or 'transparent', especially when describing water or writing style, while Spanish 'limpiar' developed a more general meaning of 'to clean'.