clarify Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb make clear and (more) comprehensible
    elucidate; clear up.
    • clarify the mystery surrounding her death
  2. verb make clear by removing impurities or solids, as by heating
    • clarify the butter
    • clarify beer

WordNet

Clar"i*fy transitive verb
Etymology
F. clarifier, from L. clarificare; clarus clear + facere to make. See Clear, and Fact.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Clarified ; present participle & verbal noun Clarifying
Definitions
  1. To make clear or bright by freeing from feculent matter; to defecate; to fine; -- said of liquids, as wine or sirup. "Boiled and clarified." Ure.
  2. To make clear; to free from obscurities; to brighten or illuminate.
    To clarify his reason, and to rectify his will. South.
  3. To glorify. Obs.
    Fadir, clarifie thi name. Wyclif (John ii. 28).
Clar"i*fy intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To grow or become clear or transparent; to become free from feculent impurities, as wine or other liquid under clarification.
  2. To grow clear or bright; to clear up.
    Whosoever hath his mind fraught with many thoughts, his wits and understanding do clarify and break up in the discoursing with another. Bacon.

Webster 1913