clarify
To make something easier to understand by giving more details or a simpler explanation.
Examples
In a meeting
“Could you clarify the timeline for this deliverable?”
Over coffee
“Just to clarify — are we meeting at 6 or 7?”
Why this word
explain
Clarify emphasizes removing confusion or ambiguity from something already stated, while explain is broader and can introduce new information
clear up
Clarify is more formal and professional, making it better for business or technical contexts where precise language is expected
make clear
Clarify is more concise and direct, avoiding the wordiness of this two-word phrase
Usage tip
Use 'clarify' whenever you'd say 'make it clearer' or 'explain what you mean'. Works in both questions and statements.
Etymology
Latin clarificare — clarus (clear) + facere (to make)
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
align
To bring into agreement or proper coordination with something else.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.