Unfog: meaning, definitions and examples

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unfog

 

[ ʌnˈfɔg ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

clearing vision

To unfog means to make something less obscured by fog or mist, allowing for better visibility. This term is often used in both a literal sense, such as clearing a foggy windshield, and a metaphorical sense, as in clarifying confusing information.

Synonyms

clarify, clear, illuminate

Examples of usage

  • I need to unfog the car windshield before driving.
  • She tried to unfog her thoughts and focus on the task at hand.
  • The guide helped to unfog the complex history of the area.

Etymology

The word 'unfog' is a compound of the prefix 'un-' and the noun 'fog'. The prefix 'un-' comes from Old English 'un-', which is used to indicate negation or reversal of a state. The noun 'fog' is derived from Old Norse 'fok', meaning 'a mist or vapor'. 'Fog' has been used in English since the Middle Ages to describe thick clouds of condensation that suspend in the air, obstructing visibility. The formation of 'unfog' likely began in colloquial English, emerging in contexts related to both driving and metaphorical uses where clarity was required. The usage of 'unfog' in various scenarios signifies the human desire to achieve clarity both in physical vision and understanding of concepts.