clarification
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for clarification, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of making something clearer or easier to understand.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use clarification
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin clarificatio, from clarus, "clear."
Full origin of clarification →Frequently asked questions
What does “clarification” mean?
The word “clarification” means the act of making something clearer or easier to understand. In plain terms, making something clearer — either an idea/explanation or, more technically, a liquid.
How do you pronounce “clarification”?
“Clarification” is pronounced kla-rih-fih-KAY-shuhn (/ˌklæɹɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “clarification” in a sentence?
Here is “clarification” used in a sentence: “She emailed the professor asking for clarification on the assignment.”
What part of speech is “clarification”?
“Clarification” is a noun.
Where does the word “clarification” come from?
The word “clarification” comes from Latin. From Latin clarificatio, from clarus, "clear.".
Is “clarification” a common word?
“Clarification” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “clarification” have?
“Clarification” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of making something clearer or easier to understand.
What is the difference between "clarification" and "explanation"?
"Clarification" specifically means making something that was unclear or ambiguous easier to understand, often in response to confusion, while "explanation" is a broader term for describing or giving reasons for something. You ask for "clarification" on a specific confusing point, but an "explanation" of how or why something works.
What does "clarification" mean when talking about butter or other liquids?
In this sense, "clarification" refers to the process of removing impurities from a liquid to make it clear, as when clarifying butter by separating out the milk solids.
What is a polite way to "ask for clarification"?
Common phrasings include "Could you clarify what you mean by...?" or "I'd like some clarification on...", both of which politely signal that a point needs to be made clearer before proceeding.