Clarification: meaning, definitions and examples

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clarification

 

[ˌklær.ə.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in conversation

An act or process of making something clear or understandable.

Synonyms

elucidation, explanation, interpretation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clarification

When you need to make something clear or remove confusion. Commonly used in formal settings like business or academia.

  • Could you provide clarification on the last point? We need some clarification regarding the new policy changes
explanation

When giving details or reasons so that someone can understand something. This is the most common and neutral term, suitable for everyday use.

  • Can you give me an explanation for why you're late? The teacher gave a clear explanation of the math problem
elucidation

When you want to make something more understandable, often used in written communication or academic contexts. It's more formal and sophisticated.

  • The professor's elucidation of the theory was very helpful
  • His book provides a detailed elucidation of complex legal principles
interpretation

When deciphering the meaning of something, such as art, literature, or data. Often used in contexts where subjective understanding is involved.

  • Her interpretation of the novel was quite unique
  • The lawyer's interpretation of the law differed from that of the judges

Examples of usage

  • Can you provide some clarification on this issue?
  • I need further clarification on the instructions.
Context #2 | Noun

in a document

A statement that makes something clear or understandable.

Synonyms

elucidation, explanation, interpretation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clarification

Use when you need to make something less confusing or more understandable.

  • I asked for clarification on the topic because I didn't understand his point
explanation

Used in everyday situations when providing detailed information or reasons to make something clear.

  • His explanation of the project's goals helped everyone understand what needed to be done
elucidation

Mostly used in formal contexts when there is a need to make something clear through detailed explanation.

  • The professor's elucidation of the theory made the complex concept easier to grasp
interpretation

Used when explaining the meaning of something, often related to art, literature, or legal texts.

  • Her interpretation of the poem gave a new perspective on its themes

Examples of usage

  • The clarification provided by the author helped me understand the concept better.
  • The clarification in the contract avoided any misunderstandings.
Context #3 | Noun

in a relationship

The act of removing impurities or making something pure.

Synonyms

cleansing, purging, purification.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
clarification

Used when you need more details or explanation to understand something better.

  • I need some clarification on the project requirements
  • Can you provide clarification on this point?
purification

Refers to the process of making something pure, often used in spiritual, environmental, or technical contexts.

  • The water purification system ensures clean drinking water
  • Many cultures have rituals for spiritual purification
purging

Often implies getting rid of unwanted elements or substances, can sometimes have a negative connotation.

  • The company is purging outdated files from its database
  • The dictatorship was known for purging political opponents
cleansing

Commonly used when talking about making something physically clean or removing impurities, sometimes used metaphorically.

  • She follows a cleansing skincare routine every night
  • The diet is intended for internal cleansing of the body

Examples of usage

  • The clarification of feelings helped strengthen our relationship.
  • The clarification of intentions brought clarity to the situation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'clarificatio', which means 'to make clear'.
  • It combines 'clarus', meaning 'clear', and 'facere', meaning 'to make'.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 14th century.

Education

  • In classrooms, clarification helps students grasp complex ideas better during lessons or discussions.
  • Teachers often use it to ensure everyone understands the material, reducing confusion on assignments.
  • Clarification can involve paraphrasing, examples, or asking questions to foster understanding.

Communication

  • Effective communication requires clarification to avoid misunderstandings in both spoken and written forms.
  • In negotiation, clarification helps both parties agree on terms and intentions.
  • Clarification techniques include summarizing, asking clarifying questions, and providing additional context.

Psychology

  • People often seek clarification when facing uncertainty, as it can reduce anxiety and improve decision-making.
  • Clarifying discussions can strengthen relationships by ensuring both parties feel understood and valued.
  • Cognitive load theory suggests that clarifying information can aid memory retention by easing processing demands.

Pop Culture

  • Reality TV often features show participants seeking clarification from each other to solve conflicts.
  • In popular songs, lyrics that explore themes of love often involve lines asking for clarification of feelings.
  • Movies frequently portray characters seeking clarification in pivotal moments, which drives the plot forward.

Translations

Translations of the word "clarification" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esclarecimento

🇮🇳 स्पष्टीकरण

🇩🇪 Klarstellung

🇮🇩 klarifikasi

🇺🇦 уточнення

🇵🇱 wyjaśnienie

🇯🇵 明確化 (meikakuka)

🇫🇷 clarification

🇪🇸 aclaración

🇹🇷 açıklama

🇰🇷 명확화 (myeonghwak-hwa)

🇸🇦 إيضاح (i'dah)

🇨🇿 upřesnění

🇸🇰 upresnenie

🇨🇳 澄清 (chéngqīng)

🇸🇮 pojasnitev

🇮🇸 skýring

🇰🇿 түсіндіру

🇬🇪 განმარტება (ganmarteba)

🇦🇿 aydınlaşdırma

🇲🇽 aclaración

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,598 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.