# clarifying

/ˈkɫɛɹəˌfaɪɪŋ/ (US) · /klˈæɹɪfˌaɪɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/clarifying
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

making something easier to understand by removing confusion. You use this to describe a comment or action that makes a situation clear.

For teachers: serving to make a statement or situation less confused and more comprehensible. Often used as a participial adjective following a linking verb or preceding a noun.

## Examples

- The teacher gave a clarifying explanation of the rule.
- After the confusing meeting, the manager sent a clarifying email to ensure everyone understood their new tasks.
- The witness provided several clarifying details that helped the jury reconcile the conflicting accounts of the incident.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an adjective to describe speech, writing, or questions. When used as a verb form, it is the present participle of 'clarify'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.