clarify

[klar-uh-fahy]

verb (used with object)

clarified, clarifying 

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)

clarified, clarifying 

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

Other Word Forms

• clarifier noun
• clarification noun
• nonclarified adjective
• unclarified adjective
• unclarifying 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 department did not clarify what that meant for open enrollment.

Read more on MarketWatch

Kimmel had planned to clarify his remarks Sept. 17, but Disney executives feared the comedian was dug in and would only inflame the tense situation.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Though the White House sought to clarify that the fee doesn’t apply to current visa holders, uncertainty remains.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The latest announcement also clarifies the specific technologies and processes that are restricted.

Read more on BBC

Hours later, Freida penned a second Facebook post to clarify her initial statement: “I didn’t mean to scare anyone or make it sound so serious when asking for prayers for Dolly.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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