clarify
Americanverb (used with object)
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to make (an idea, statement, etc.) clear or intelligible; to free from ambiguity.
- Synonyms:
- resolve, elucidate, illuminate, explain
-
to remove solid matter from (a liquid); to make into a clear or pellucid liquid.
-
to free (the mind, intelligence, etc.) from confusion; revive.
The short nap clarified his thoughts.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to make or become clear or easy to understand
-
to make or become free of impurities
-
to make (fat, butter, etc) clear by heating, etc, or (of fat, etc) to become clear as a result of such a process
Other Word Forms
- clarification noun
- clarifier noun
- nonclarified adjective
- unclarified adjective
- unclarifying adjective
Etymology
Origin of clarify
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French clarifier, from Late Latin clārificāre, equivalent to Latin clār(us) “clear” + -ificāre -ify
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This article was corrected at 0913 GMT to clarify that Manus turned down some local governments in China that wanted to invest in the company last year.
From MarketWatch
Published in the International Journal of Cancer, the findings help clarify how physical activity may lower bowel cancer risk.
From Science Daily
However, Prof Jay later contacted the government to clarify that her remarks did not refer to inquiries in Scotland.
From BBC
This desire for a farm is her latest self-exploration, clarifying for her that she loves her profession but not the superficial trappings that accompany it.
From Los Angeles Times
An email from a reader named Andrea Frankel, responding to last week’s issue of the newsletter, clarified the appeal of that small shift for me.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
