The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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clarify

verb

/ˈklær əˌfaɪ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of clarify

To make something clear, more understandable, or more specific.
"The detective interviewed the witness to clarify the details of the incident."

Detailed meaning of clarify

It involves providing additional information, explanations, or details to eliminate confusion, ambiguity, or misunderstanding. When someone clarifies, they aim to bring clarity, coherence, or precision to a concept, statement, idea, or situation. It often involves simplifying complex information, rephrasing unclear statements, or answering questions to ensure comprehension. Clarification can occur in various contexts, such as in discussions, instructions, written documents, or educational settings. It is a communicative process that seeks to remove doubts, uncertainties, or misinterpretations, allowing for a better understanding of the subject matter. Overall, 'clarify' encompasses the act of making something clearer, more comprehensible, or more specific through the provision of additional information, explanations, or details.

Example sentences containing clarify

1. Please, clarify your thoughts before presenting them to the group.
2. To avoid any misunderstandings, I will clarify the instructions.
3. When you clarify your arguments, they become more persuasive.
4. Can you clarify what you meant by your last statement?
5. We need to clarify the project scope to avoid scope creep.
6. Let me clarify the rules before we start the game.

History and etymology of clarify

The verb 'clarify' has its roots in the Latin word 'clarificare,' which is a combination of 'clarus,' meaning 'clear,' and 'facere,' meaning 'to make' or 'to do.' Thus, 'clarify' originally meant 'to make clear' or 'to make something clear.' The Latin etymology reflects the essence of the word, as 'clarify' is used to describe the process of making something more understandable or specific, removing ambiguity or confusion. It emphasizes the act of bringing clarity to a situation, idea, or piece of information, a crucial function in communication and problem-solving. The etymology of 'clarify' highlights its role in ensuring that information is transparent and comprehensible, aiding in effective communication and comprehension.

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Further usage examples of clarify

1. You should clarify your position on this issue.
2. It helps to clarify your goals before starting any major endeavor.
3. Will you clarify the requirements for this essay, professor?
4. If you clarify the main points, the audience will better understand your presentation.
5. We should clarify our intentions before making any decisions.
6. The manager must clarify the objectives of the new initiative.
7. It's critical that we clarify the safety procedures to all new hires.
8. Can you clarify the reasoning behind this approach?
9. They need to clarify the pricing structure to attract more customers.
10. Let's clarify our expectations before moving forward.
11. It's essential to clarify the terms of the agreement.
12. The teacher asked the student to clarify his answer.
13. Before the project begins, the team must clarify their roles and responsibilities.
14. It's wise to clarify any doubts you have before investing.
15. She asked a follow-up question to clarify the speaker's main point.
16. Could you please clarify your statement? I didn't fully understand what you meant.
17. The presenter used visuals to clarify the key findings of the research.
18. The professor paused to clarify a difficult concept during the lecture.
19. The lawyer asked the witness to clarify their previous testimony.
20. The editor requested the author to clarify a few passages in the manuscript.
21. The team held a meeting to clarify roles and responsibilities for the upcoming project.