Clarify

Definition

Clarify refers to the act of making something clearer or easier to understand by providing additional information or explanation. It can also mean to remove impurities from a liquid, such as butter, through a process of heating and straining.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklærəˌfaɪ/
• Respelling: KLAR-uh-fy

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈklærɪfaɪ/
• Respelling: KLAR-uh-fy

The pronunciation of "clarify" is nearly identical in both American and British English, with a slight variation in the vowel sound of the second syllable.

Etymology

The word "clarify" comes from the Late Latin "clarificare," meaning "to make clear," which is derived from "clarus," meaning "clear." The term has been used in English since the late 14th century, primarily in the sense of "making something clear."

Derivatives

• Clarification (noun)
• Clarified (adjective/verb)
• Clarifier (noun)
• Clarifying (adjective/verb)
• Clarificatory (adjective)

Synonyms

• Explain
• Elucidate
• Simplify

Antonyms

• Confuse
• Obscure
• Muddle

Usage

The word "clarify" is often used when there is a need to make a statement or situation easier to understand. For example, "Could you clarify what you meant by that comment?" or "The lawyer worked to clarify the terms of the contract."

Related Terms

• Clarification: The action of making a statement or situation less confused and more comprehensible.
• Explicit: Fully and clearly expressed, leaving no room for confusion.
• Transparency: The quality of being easily seen through or understood.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To make something clear or easier to understand: The act of providing additional details or explanation to remove confusion.
  • Example: "The teacher tried to clarify the complex concept for the students."
• To remove impurities from a liquid: Often used in the context of cooking, where a liquid like butter is heated and strained to remove solids.
  • Example: "The chef decided to clarify the butter before using it in the sauce."