Reading Theme:
Clarify: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：make clear (clarify)
clarify
/ˈklær.ɪ.faɪ/
vt.
To make information clearer so people understand it better.
make clear
➕
/meɪk klɪr/
vt.
To make information or a statement easier to understand by providing additional details or removing confusion.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'clarificare': clarus (clear) + facere (to make), meaning 'to make clear'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'clear-ify' – it's like making something clear by adding clarity.
📖 Example
During the Q&A session, the scientist paused to clarify a complex point about the new discovery for the students.
During the question and answer session, the scientist stopped to make a complex point clearer for the students.
🔗 Collocations
clarify a point – to make a specific detail or argument clearer
clarify the situation – to provide explanation to resolve confusion about a circumstance
clarify one's position – to state one's stance or opinion more clearly
🔄 Synonyms
explain (vt.) – to make something understandable by describing it in detail
elucidate (vt.) – to make something clear by explaining it thoroughly, often used in formal contexts
illuminate (vt.) – to clarify or explain something, shedding light on it
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
clarification (n.) – the act of making something clear or the state of being clear
clarified (adj.) – made clear or pure, especially of liquids or ideas
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin via Old French. Commonly used in modern English in academic, legal, and professional contexts to ensure precise communication and avoid misunderstandings.
Meaning 2：remove solids from liquid (clarify)
clarify
/ˈklær.ɪ.faɪ/
vt.
To remove solids from a liquid to make it clear.
remove solids from liquid
➕
/rɪˈmuːv ˈsɒlɪdz frəm ˈlɪkwɪd/
vt.
To separate and eliminate solid particles from a liquid, resulting in a clear and transparent fluid.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
To make the clear soup, she let it simmer and then used a fine sieve to clarify it, removing all the tiny bits.
To prepare the clear soup, she simmered it and then strained it through a fine sieve to remove all small particles.
🔗 Collocations
clarify butter – to melt butter and remove the milk solids, resulting in clear liquid fat
clarify broth – to strain a broth to remove impurities and make it clear
clarify juice – to filter fruit juice to remove pulp and solids
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
cloud (vt.) – to make a liquid opaque or murky by adding particles
contaminate (vt.) – to make something impure by adding harmful substances
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