Clarify

/ˈklær.ɪ.faɪ/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to make (something) clear or easier to understand.
The teacher wanted to clarify the instructions for the assignment.
to remove any confusion or ambiguity from something.
Can you clarify what you meant during the meeting?
to explain or elaborate on a point or detail.
She clarified her statement to ensure there were no misunderstandings.
to make (a liquid) clear by removing impurities.
The chef used a fine strainer to clarify the broth.
to illustrate or exemplify a concept or idea more distinctly.
The graph helps to clarify the trends in the data.

Etymology

From Latin 'clarificare', meaning 'to make clear'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

clarify one's position:
To make one's stance clear.
clarify the facts:
To specifically outline the details.
let me clarify:
A phrase used to introduce a clearer explanation.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To clear things up.
Let me clarify what's going on.
To dumb it down.
He had to clarify it for those who didn't understand.