clarification

clarification — noun

1. additional information or a statement given to help someone understand something

1.nounC1
Definition

additional information or a statement given to help someone understand something that was confusing or not fully explained

Example

Ravi asked his teacher for clarification on the math homework assignment.

ask for clarification on [topic]

The company issued a clarification after its advertisement caused confusion.

issue a clarification after [event]

Common collocations
  • ask for clarification
  • seek clarification
  • need clarification
  • provide clarification
  • issue a clarification
  • request clarification
  • further clarification
  • clarification on
  • clarification of
  • clarification about
Synonyms
  • explanation

    the most general term; works in everyday and formal contexts

  • elaboration

    adds extra detail to something already stated, rather than resolving confusion

  • elucidation

    more formal; often used for making complex or obscure ideas clear

Antonyms
  • confusion

    the state that clarification is meant to resolve

Grammar Patterns

ask for clarification

seek clarification

issue a clarification

clarification on/about/of + noun

Usage Note

Often appears in the patterns 'ask for clarification', 'seek clarification', or 'request clarification' — especially common in academic writing, legal documents, and workplace communication.

Common Mistakes

I need clearance on this policy before I proceed.
I need clarification on this policy before I proceed.
'clearance' means official permission to do something; 'clarification' means an explanation that makes something easier to understand.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All three words describe providing information to improve understanding, but they differ in purpose and register. 'Explanation' is the broadest and most neutral term — it can describe anything from a teacher describing a grammar rule to a scientist detailing a theory. 'Elaboration' adds extra layers of detail to something already understood, rather than clearing up confusion. 'Elucidation' is the most formal of the three and often appears in academic or literary writing, where a complex idea needs to be made clear. For example, a manager might provide an 'explanation' of a new policy, ask for 'elaboration' on a specific point in a report, and expect the legal team to offer 'elucidation' of a complicated regulation.

explanation ↗elaborationelucidation