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clarify

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈkɫɛɹəˌfaɪ// UK //klˈæɹɪfˌaɪ// clar·i·fy Academic Archaic General-service

v. to make something clearer or easier to understand by giving more details. You use this when you want to explain a confusing point or a difficult idea.

v. to make a statement or situation less confused and more comprehensible. Transitive in its primary sense; often used in formal or professional contexts to request or provide specific details.


SIMPLE

Could you clarify your last point?

CONTEXTUAL

The manager asked the team to clarify their goals for the upcoming quarter to avoid any confusion.

COMPLEX

The legal team issued a statement to clarify the terms of the merger, ensuring that all stakeholders understood the implications for their existing shares.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English clarifien, from Old French clarifiier, from Latin clārificō, clārificāre; clārus (“clear”) + faciō, facere (“make”). Semantically clear + -ify.

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object, often a noun phrase or a 'that' clause.

Pitfall

I need to clarify about the rulesI need to clarify the rulesClarify is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'about' before its object.

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