clarification

American  

[klar-uh-fuh-key-shuhn] / ˌklær ə fəˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of making an idea or statement clear.

   You may use a pencil to circle words, passages, or phrases that you don't understand or that need clarification.

2. the removal of solid matter from a liquid so that it is clear or translucent.

   The clarification of butter involves first melting it and then getting rid of all milk solids, leaving behind pure saturated fat.

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Other Word Forms

• nonclarification noun

Etymology

Origin of clarification

First recorded in 1570–80, for an earlier sense; from Latin clārificātiōn-, stem of clārificātiō “a making clear,” from clārificāre “to make clear”; clarify ( def. ), -fication ( def. )

Example Sentences

Spokespeople for the White House and for the European Union didn’t immediately respond to requests for clarification.

From Barron's

As the backlash against Fanatics picked up steam, the Red Sox deleted its original statement from X and posted multiple clarifications.

From Los Angeles Times

The updated list was briefly published in the Federal Register on Friday before being pulled, with the Pentagon offering no further clarification.

From The Wall Street Journal

Several school districts, particularly in Texas, had paused Lifetouch services while waiting for clarification, but the company hopes this update will reassure parents, students and schools about the safety of their data.

From Salon

World Curling issued a clarification of the double-touch rule emphasizing the critical importance of the “hog line”: the point after which no contact with the stone is allowed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• description
• interpretation
• resolution
• simplification