clarify
Meaning: To make a statement or situation less confused and more clearly comprehensible, or to remove impurities from a substance.
Clarify is a workhorse of professional and academic communication, used whenever ambiguity needs to be resolved. It appears constantly in meeting minutes, official statements, and correspondence ('I should like to clarify my earlier remarks'). The word implies that the original communication was unclear, so using it can tactfully suggest that the fault lies with the message, not the audience.
Examples
- The minister was forced to clarify her position after conflicting reports appeared in the press. 在报刊上出现相互矛盾的报道后,部长被迫澄清她的立场。La ministra se vio obligada a aclarar su postura tras aparecer informaciones contradictorias en la prensa.報道各社で相反する報道が出た後、大臣は自らの立場を明確にすることを余儀なくされた。언론에 상반되는 보도가 나온 후, 장관은 자신의 입장을 명확히 하지 않을 수 없었다.
- Could you clarify whether the deadline applies to the submission date or the date of receipt? 请问您能否明确一下,截止日期指的是提交日期还是收到日期?¿Podría aclarar si el plazo se refiere a la fecha de envío o a la fecha de recepción?締め切りが提出日と受領日のどちらに適用されるか、ご明確にいただけますか。마감일이 제출일 기준인지 수령일 기준인지 명확히 해 주시겠습니까?
- The guidance note was issued to clarify the new procedures for reporting financial irregularities. 该指导说明的发布是为了明确报告财务违规行为的新程序。La nota orientativa se emitió para aclarar los nuevos procedimientos de notificación de irregularidades financieras.その指針は、財務上の不正行為を報告する新しい手続きを明確化するために発行された。그 지침은 재무상의 부정행위를 보고하는 새로운 절차를 명확히 하기 위해 발행되었다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general, professional, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French clarifier, from late Latin clarificare (to make clear), from Latin clarus (clear, bright). Entered English in the 14th century; the culinary sense of removing impurities from butter predates the figurative use.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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