How to pronounce clarify
Say it like KLER-uh-fy. Clarify has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLER).
- KLER
- uh
- fy
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Clarify pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KLERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- fyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of clarify
American and British speakers say clarify in essentially the same way: /ˈklɛrəˌfaɪ/ in the US and /ˈklærɪˌfaɪ/ in the UK.
British respelling: KLAR-ih-fy.
What does clarify mean?
- To make or become clear or bright by freeing from impurities or turbidity.“What's the best way to clarify cooking oil?”
- To make or become clear or easily understood; to explain or resolve in order to remove doubt or obscurity.“Please clarify what you mean by this.”
Where does clarify come from?
From Middle English clarifien, from Old French clarifiier, from Latin clārificō, clārificāre; clārus (“clear”) + faciō, facere (“make”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- explicitize
- clear up
- elucidate
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with clarify
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of clarify.
Questions about saying clarify
How do you pronounce clarify?
Say KLER-uh-fy. The American pronunciation is /ˈklɛrəˌfaɪ/. In British English it is /ˈklærɪˌfaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in clarify?
Clarify has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KLER). Broken into parts: KLER · uh · fy.
Do Americans and Brits say clarify the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈklɛrəˌfaɪ/ and the British form is /ˈklærɪˌfaɪ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.