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
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to remove solid matter from (a liquid); to make into a clear or pellucid liquid.
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to free (the mind, intelligence, etc.) from confusion; revive.
The short nap clarified his thoughts.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to make or become clear or easy to understand
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to make or become free of impurities
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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
Derived Forms
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clarifiernoun
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nonclarifiedadjective
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clarificationnoun
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unclarifiedadjective
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unclarifyingadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has clarifiedperfect 3rd person singular
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have clarifiedperfect
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am clarifyingprogressive 1st person singular
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are clarifyingprogressive
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is clarifyingprogressive 3rd person singular
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clarifyingparticiple
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have been clarifyingperfect progressive
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has been clarifyingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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clarifiessingular 3rd person
Past
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had clarifiedperfect
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was clarifyingprogressive singular
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were clarifyingprogressive plural
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had been clarifyingperfect progressive
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clarifiedparticiple
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clarifiedsimple
Future
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
Explanation
Clarify means to clear up confusion and make it all understandable. In a heart-breaking text, she clarified that she never ever wanted to see him again. It also means to remove impurities in a liquid; you clarify butter by gently heating it. Clarify and clear are related, of course, and clear means you can see right through it. If you clarify your intention or your meaning, others will understand it clearly. If you aren't clear at the outset, you might find the need to clarify what you want later.
Vocabulary lists containing clarify
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 3
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TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)
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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.
"We hope that the findings will help correct, clarify or contextualise a number of points regarding royal properties," the spokesman added.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
Congress should revise the Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act and clarify the compassionate release statute.
From Slate • May 29, 2026
ConocoPhillips COP -0.24%decrease; red down pointing triangle and other U.S. energy companies are also waiting for Venezuela to complete new contract rules that would clarify the government’s cut of any foreign fossil-fuel investments.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026
It’s a tool to clarify where the money comes from and where it’s going.
From Salon • May 22, 2026
I clarify, “Did you get everything back where it belonged.”
From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson
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.
