つまびらかにする

• Reading: つまびらかにする
• Romaji: tsumabirakanisuru
• Pronunciation: /tsɯ.ma.bi.ɾa.ka.ni.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To make something clear; to clarify; to elucidate; to explain in full and thorough detail.

A compound expression functioning as a Group 3 (suru) verb. つまびらか is a formal adjective meaning 'clear, detailed, thorough,' and にする converts it into a causative verbal phrase. Used almost exclusively in formal writing, legal contexts, and careful academic prose. Rarely encountered in spoken Japanese.

Examples

1. 事件の経緯をつまびらかにする必要がある。 The full details of how the incident unfolded need to be made clear.
2. 彼女は自らの立場をつまびらかにしなかった。 She did not clarify her own position on the matter.
3. 証拠をつまびらかにすることで、疑惑は晴れた。 By laying out the evidence in full, the suspicions were cleared.

Usage Guide

Context: formal writing, legal proceedings, academic prose

Tone: formal

Origin & History

From つまびらか (archaic: detailed, thorough), combined with にする (to make it so). The root つまびらか derives from classical Japanese and appears in texts from the Heian period onwards.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical-Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated