clarify

clar·i·fy

verb \ˈkler-ə-ˌfī, ˈkla-rə-\

clar·i·fiedclar·i·fy·ing

Definition of CLARIFY

transitive verb

1

: to make (as a liquid) clear or pure usually by freeing from suspended matter

2

: to free of confusion <needs time to clarify his thoughts>

3

: to make understandable <clarify a subject>

intransitive verb

: to become clear

— clar·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌkler-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən, ˌkla-rə-\ noun

— clar·i·fi·er \ˈkler-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r, ˈkla-rə-\ noun

Examples of CLARIFY

1. Can you clarify exactly what it is you're proposing?
2. Her explanation did not clarify matters much.
3. The president was forced to clarify his position on the issue.
4. The committee clarified the manager's duties.
5. a substance used to clarify wine

Origin of CLARIFY

Middle English clarifien, from Anglo-French clarifier, from Late Latin clarificare, from Latin clarus clear — more at clear

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CLARIFY

Synonyms

clear, distill (also distil), filter, fine, garble, purify

Antonyms

obscure

Related Words

process, rectify, refine; clean, cleanse, decontaminate, elutriate, purge, wash; extract, leach; bolt, screen, sieve, sift; disinfect, sanitize

Near Antonyms

cloud, dull, muddy; contaminate, dirty, soil; defile, pollute, taint; begrime, besmirch, foul, sully

clar·i·fy

verb \ˈklar-ə-ˌfī\   (Medical Dictionary)

clar·i·fiedclar·i·fy·ing

Medical Definition of CLARIFY

transitive verb

: to make (as a liquid) clear or pure usually by freeing from suspended matter <clarify sewage>

intransitive verb

: to become clear

—clar·i·fi·ca·tion \ˌklar-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ noun

—clar·i·fi·er \ˈklar-ə-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun