clarify

[ klar-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with object)

, clar·i·fied, clar·i·fy·ing.

1. to make (an idea, statement, etc.) clear or intelligible; to free from ambiguity.

   Synonyms: resolve, elucidate, illuminate, explain

2. to remove solid matter from (a liquid); to make into a clear or pellucid liquid.
3. to free (the mind, intelligence, etc.) from confusion; revive:

   The short nap clarified his thoughts.

verb (used without object)

, clar·i·fied, clar·i·fy·ing.

1. to become clear, pure, or intelligible:

   The political situation clarified.

clarify

/ ˈklærɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make or become clear or easy to understand
2. to make or become free of impurities
3. to make (fat, butter, etc) clear by heating, etc, or (of fat, etc) to become clear as a result of such a process

Derived Forms

• ˈclariˌfier, noun
• ˌclarifiˈcation, noun

Other Words From

• clar·i·fi·ca·tion [klar-, uh, -f, uh, -, key, -sh, uh, n], noun
• clar·i·fi·er noun
• non·clar·i·fied adjective
• un·clar·i·fied adjective
• un·clar·i·fy·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of clarify¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French clarifier, from Late Latin clārificāre, equivalent to Latin clār(us) “clear” + -ificāre -ify

Word History and Origins

Origin of clarify¹

C14: from Old French clarifier, from Late Latin clārificāre, from Latin clārus clear + facere to make

Example Sentences

In 1975, he wrote a paper titled “The Case for Passive Eugenics” and would later, in a letter to eugenicist Robert Graham, a millionaire businessman known for starting a sperm bank for geniuses, clarify his goals.

From Salon

He pointed out that the 5% cap on council tax rises was in place when the Conservatives were in government and called on the party to clarify whether they believed it should be abolished or reduced.

From BBC

It has since been amended to clarify that a broker who is hired by a landlord — or a broker who publishes the rental property's listing — is to be paid by the landlord.

From Salon

McDonald said that this overhaul would "clarify for the avoidance of doubt, for any member of staff or any member of the party as regards procedures, what needs to be communicated and flagged and to whom".

From BBC

“To me, this is a cool example of how AI can function in our current environment,” said Mason, who took pains to clarify that a new academy rule allowing AI-assisted music to be submitted for Grammys consideration stipulates that the use of AI must enhance rather than replace the work of humans.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analyze
• clear up
• define
• formulate
• interpret
• resolve
• simplify
• spell out