clarify
gb/klˈɛɹəfˌaɪ/ us/klˈɛɹəfˌaɪ/
B1
English
~ 3600
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Make something clear or understandable
To make something easier to understand by explaining it more clearly.
Usage pattern:
to clarify [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'clarify' with 'verify'. 'Clarify' means to make something clear, while 'verify' means to check if something is true.
Synonyms
explain (More general; can be used for any act of making something understood, not necessarily simplifying or removing confusion.)
|
elucidate (More formal and academic; often used in scholarly or technical contexts.)
Antonyms
confuse (To make something harder to understand or more unclear.)
Collocations
clarify a point
|clarify the situation
|clarify instructions
|clarify meaning
|clarify a misunderstanding
Themes
communication
|education
|business
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She asked him to clarify what he meant by 'urgent'.
- The teacher clarified the assignment so everyone knew what to do.
- Can you clarify your position on this issue?
- The spokesperson clarified the company's plans during the press conference.
Learner examples
- Please clarify your answer so I can understand.
- The teacher will clarify the rules.
- Can you clarify what this word means?
- He clarified the steps to finish the task.
Verb
B2
action
2
Remove solids from a liquid
To make a liquid clear by taking out small pieces inside it.
Usage pattern:
to clarify [a liquid]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this meaning with explaining something; in cooking, it refers to making a liquid physically clear.
Synonyms
purify (General term for removing impurities; may apply to liquids, air, or other substances.)
Antonyms
contaminate (To make something impure or dirty by adding unwanted substances.)
Collocations
clarify butter
|clarify stock
|clarify soup
Themes
cooking
|science
|food_drink
Examples
- The chef clarified the butter before adding it to the sauce.
- You should clarify the stock to remove any cloudiness.
- The process clarifies the wine by filtering out sediment.
Learner examples
- We need to clarify the butter for this recipe.
- She clarified the soup before serving it.
- The chef will clarify the stock.
Grammar
Dictionary form
clarify
IPA
GB/klˈɛɹəfˌaɪ/
US/klˈɛɹəfˌaɪ/
Syllables & stress
cla - ri - fy (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cla)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: clarify
- 3rd Person Singular: clarifies
- Present Participle: clarifying
- Past: clarified
Word family
Expressions
clarify instructions
1/klˈɛɹəfˌaɪ ɪnstɹˈʌkʃənz/
fixed phrase
Make directions easier to follow
To explain directions in a way that is easier to understand.
Examples
- The teacher clarified the instructions for the homework.
- He clarified the instructions so that no one would be confused.
clarify one's position
1/klˈɛɹəfˌaɪ wˈʌnz pəzˈɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Explain your opinion clearly
To explain your opinion or plan so others understand it.
Examples
- She clarified her position on climate policy during the interview.
- The senator clarified his position after public criticism.
clarify the situation
1/klˈɛɹəfˌaɪ ðə sˌɪt͡ʃuˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
Explain what's happening clearly
To make it easier to understand what is happening.
Examples
- We need to clarify the situation before making a decision.
- The manager clarified the situation for the new employees.