Word
clarify
Phoneticsclar·i·fy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɫɛɹəˌfaɪ/
UK/klˈæɹɪfˌaɪ/
Definitions
01to explain clearly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to make a statement or situation easier to understand by giving more details.
v. to make an idea, statement, or situation less confused and more comprehensible. Transitive, often taking a 'that' clause or a direct object.
“Could you clarify what you meant by 'soon' in your last email?”
“The CEO issued a formal statement to clarify the company's position on the merger after several conflicting reports appeared in the press.”
Antonyms
02to purify a liquid
C1 · Advanced Cooking Technical
v. to make a liquid pure by removing solid pieces or fat from it.
v. to remove solid matter or impurities from a liquid, such as butter or stock, to make it clear.
“The chef clarified the butter to make a smooth sauce for the fish.”
“To achieve a perfectly transparent consommé, the chef must carefully clarify the stock using egg whites to trap any remaining sediment.”
Usage
Commonly used in the past participle form 'clarified' as an adjective.
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “clarify” in context.
Verb
01. clarify meaning
“The teacher asked the student to clarify the meaning of the metaphor used in the poem.”
verb + noun
02. clarify relationship
“The new study aims to clarify the relationship between diet and mental health.”
verb + noun
03. clarify role
“The manager met with the new employee to clarify her role within the marketing team.”
verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“This story has been updated to clarify that the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority is not a state agency.” “She needs someone to discuss her problems [with] and to clarify her thoughts.” Etymology
From Middle English clarifien, from Old French clarifiier, from Latin clārificō, clārificāre; clārus (“clear”) + faciō, facere (“make”). Semantically clear + -ify.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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