clarify
English meaning: Clarify
Definition
To make something easier to understand by explaining it more clearly.
Example
“Could you clarify what you mean, because I am not quite sure I follow your point?”
Another example: “Could you clarify what you mean by 'as soon as possible'?”
Usage — When, Where & How
Fairly formal; common in discussion, instructions, and writing ('clarify a point', 'clarify the situation'). 'Could you clarify...?' is a polite request for more detail. Slightly more formal than 'explain'. Opposite of 'confuse' or 'obscure'.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old French 'clarifier', from Latin 'clarificare' (to make clear).
Related Words
- clarification
- clarity
- explanation
- elucidation
- simplification
Common Collocations
- clarify a point
- clarify the situation
- further clarify
- clarify your meaning
- seek to clarify
- clarify any doubts
Word Forms
clarify (v); clarified; clarifies; clarifying; clarification (n); clarity (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B