ˈklarəˌfī also ˈkler- verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English clarifien, from Middle French clarifier, from Late Latin clarificare, from Latin clarus clear + -i- + -ficare -fy — more at clear
transitive verb
1.
a. archaic : to make clear and bright by lightening the darkness and obscurity of
the sun clarifies the earth
b. : to clear (the air or atmosphere) of clouds or fog
c. obsolete : glorify , transfigure
2. : to make (a liquid or something liquefied) clear, pure, or pellucid : free from unwanted solid matter
clarify coffee with eggshells
clarify syrup
clarify sewage
3.
a. : to free (the mind or understanding) of confusion, doubt, or uncertainty
the conference did help to harmonize, as well as clarify , the thinking of the leaders of the republics on a number of controversial questions — Atlantic
the cold night air clarified his muddled brain
hoped a long rest would clarify his mind
b. : to explain clearly : make understandable : reveal , interpret
clarify a process by the use of diagrams
4. : to make less complex or less ambiguous : put in order : define
clarify one's life
clarify an issue
intransitive verb
: to grow or become clear
waiting for the present muddled diplomatic situation to clarify — Newsweek