clarify

Pronunciation: /ˈklærɪfaɪ/

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of clarify

To make a situation, statement, or concept comprehensible and free of ambiguity by providing additional explanation or detail.

Origin of clarify

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: clarificare

Original meaning: to make clear

How it evolved: Originally used in the context of physical clarity (e.g., purifying liquids), the term gradually evolved to include intellectual and verbal clarification.

Derived from Latin 'clarificare', meaning 'to make clear', through Old French 'clarifier'.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember clarify

Think of 'clear' + 'ify'—to make something clear as if wiping fog off a window to see through it distinctly.

Synonyms for clarify

Antonyms of clarify

  • obscure
  • confuse
  • complicate
  • muddle
  • befog

clarify in a Sentence

  1. The professor took extra time to clarify the intricate theories of quantum mechanics for the students.
  2. Before signing the contract, she asked the lawyer to clarify the legal jargon to ensure her full understanding of the terms.
  3. The spokesperson's efforts to clarify the company's position on the environmental issue were met with widespread approval.

clarify in Literature & Culture

‘Clarify’ frequently appears in political speeches and academic writing to resolve misunderstandings or articulate complex ideas, underscoring its significance in professional and intellectual settings.

Usage Notes

‘Clarify’ is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when addressing misunderstandings or complicated topics. Avoid using ‘clarify’ redundantly in situations where simplicity is already apparent.

Why clarify Matters for GRE & SAT

The ability to clarify complex ideas is a critical skill for GRE analytical writing. Familiarity with synonyms and precision in usage can enhance vocabulary scores.

Word Family

clarification (noun)
The act of making something clear or understandable.
clarifier (noun)
A device or person that clarifies or purifies.
clear (adjective)
Free of ambiguity or cloudiness.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'clarify' was initially used in culinary contexts, referring to the purification of butter or liquids.
  • Philosopher John Locke emphasized the importance of clarification in intellectual discourse in his work 'An Essay Concerning Human Understanding'.
  • In popular culture, the term is often used in courtroom dramas to demand clearer explanations or testimonies.

More Vocabulary Words Starting with C

  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • callow — young and inexperienced; immature
  • calumny — slander and defamation
  • calumny — slander and defamation

Learned in