Clarifying: meaning, definitions and examples

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clarifying

[ˈklær.ə.faɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

communication

Make (a statement or situation) less confused and more comprehensible.

Synonyms

elucidate, explain, make clear.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
clarifying	Used when you need to make sure something is understood or free of confusion, often in conversations or meetings. She spent the next few minutes clarifying her point The manager asked for clarifying questions before proceeding
explain	General use, common in everyday conversations when you need to describe or make someone understand something. Can you explain how this machine works? She didn't understand the instructions, so I had to explain them again
elucidate	More formal or academic, used when you need to make something clear or explain in detail, often in writing or presentations. The professor will elucidate the complex theory in her next lecture He elucidated the main findings of his research in the paper
make clear	Often used for emphasis, to ensure there is no misunderstanding about something, can have a slightly assertive tone. I want to make it clear that this behavior is not acceptable He made it clear that he was not interested in the offer

Examples of usage

Can you please clarify your instructions for me?
I need to clarify the details of the project with my team.
She clarified her position on the issue during the meeting.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

understanding

Remove doubts or uncertainties about something by giving more information.

Synonyms

clear up, determine, resolve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
clarifying	Used to make a statement or situation less confused and more comprehensible, often by removing ambiguity. She was clarifying the details of the agreement. Clarifying the instructions helped everyone understand the process better.
clear up	Used informally to resolve misunderstandings or to remove confusion about a particular topic. Let me clear up the confusion around the new policy. He needs to clear up the misunderstanding with his friend.
resolve	Used to find a solution to a problem, dispute, or contentious matter, often implying a formal or final decision. The meeting was called to resolve the conflicts between the two departments. They hope to resolve the issue before it becomes more serious.
determine	Used when establishing or discovering something, often through analysis or calculation. Scientists are trying to determine the cause of the recent outbreak. The jury must determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.

Examples of usage

The manager clarified the company's policy on remote work.
I will clarify any questions you may have about the assignment.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

communication

An explanation or interpretation that makes something clear or easier to understand.

Synonyms

elucidation, explanation, interpretation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
clarifying	Used when making something clear or easier to understand, especially after confusion or misunderstanding. She spent an hour clarifying the new company policies to her team. Thank you for clarifying the details of the assignment.
explanation	Generally used in everyday situations to describe the act of making something understandable; can be used in both informal and formal contexts. Can you give me an explanation of how this machine works? His explanation of the historical event was very detailed.
interpretation	Used when explaining the meaning of something, especially in the sense of offering a personal or subjective understanding. Her interpretation of the poem really changed my perspective. The lawyer's interpretation of the contract proved to be crucial.
elucidation	Often used in formal or academic settings to refer to the process of making something clear or explaining it in detail. The professor's elucidation of the theory was thorough and insightful. This book provides an elucidation of complex scientific principles.

Examples of usage

His clarification of the issue helped everyone understand the situation better.
The clarification provided by the speaker was very helpful.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'clarificare,' meaning 'to make clear,' with roots in 'clarus' (clear) and 'facere' (to make).
In the 14th century, the term 'clarify' began to be used in English, originally referring to clearing liquids.

Education

Teachers often use clarifying techniques to help students grasp difficult concepts.
Clarifying questions are a popular strategy in classrooms, encouraging students to expand on their thoughts or explain their reasoning.

Communication

In conversation, clarity fosters better understanding and stronger relationships.
The use of clarifying statements can reduce misunderstandings in both personal and professional settings.

Psychology

Studies show that clarity in communication can reduce anxiety in stressful situations.
When people receive clear explanations, they often feel more confident about their understanding and decisions.

Science

In scientific research, clarifying terms and methodologies is crucial for replicating experiments.
In chemistry, the process of clarifying involves removing impurities from liquids, leading to a clearer solution.

Translations

Translations of the word "clarifying" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esclarecendo

🇮🇳 स्पष्ट कर रहा है (Spasht kar raha hai)

🇩🇪 klären

🇮🇩 menjelaskan

🇺🇦 уточнення

🇵🇱 wyjaśnianie

🇯🇵 明確にする (Meikaku ni suru)

🇫🇷 clarification

🇪🇸 aclarar

🇹🇷 açıklık getirme

🇰🇷 명확히 하기 (Myeonghwakhi hagi)

🇸🇦 إيضاح (Iydah)

🇨🇿 objasňování

🇸🇰 objasňovanie

🇨🇳 澄清 (Chéngqīng)

🇸🇮 pojasnitev

🇮🇸 skýringar

🇰🇿 анықтау

🇬🇪 განმარტება (ganmarteba)

🇦🇿 açıqlama

🇲🇽 aclarar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,528, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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13525 exchanger
13526 hoist
13527 biologically
13528 clarifying
13529 averted
13530 infantile
13531 withered
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