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

The report “From Skin to Screen: Bodily Integrity in the Digital Age” recommends that existing data protection laws be clarified to encompass all forms of bodily data.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s not that I don’t dance,” he clarifies, “I do, but at home and at weddings.”

From Los Angeles Times

An amateur magician himself, Carson possessed a quick and cutting wit, but in keeping it restrained, he clarified his greatest gift.

From New York Times

In a letter clarifying the figures, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the estimates did not take into account any increased take-up of pension credit.

From BBC

The South Carolina Congresswoman didn’t try to hide her intentions behind the bill’s introduction, clarifying to reporters on Monday that she was targeting McBride, specifically.

From Salon

Related Words

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