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

• clarification noun
• clarifier 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

Mr Kim believed his work was permitted by his B-1 visa - and argued it made no sense for the authorities to detain hundreds of people without clarifying their roles in the factory.

From BBC

Hospital officials clung to hope that an appeal and communication with the agency would clarify the situation.

From Los Angeles Times

Essex Police since clarified "at no stage" did its officers tell her the investigation was related to a "non-crime hate incident" while Ms Pearson said she was left "dumbstruck" by the visit.

From BBC

The cockpit voice recording captured one pilot asking the other why "did he cut off" and the other replying that he didn't, but did not clarify who said what.

From BBC

After Roberts asks the journalist to clarify who the question is directed to, Polidoro reiterates that her question is for Roberts and Garfield.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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