A clarification is an explanation that makes something clearer or easier to understand. When your teacher gives a clarification about the homework assignment, she's adding details that help you understand exactly what she wants. When you ask for clarification about the rules of a game, you're asking someone to explain the confusing parts more clearly.

Clarification clears up confusion or uncertainty. If a friend tells you to meet at the park and you're not sure which park, you might ask for clarification. If instructions seem vague or if two people disagree about what was said, someone might offer a clarification to settle the matter.

Sometimes people clarify their own statements when they realize others have misunderstood. A scientist might publish a clarification of her research findings if people are drawing the wrong conclusions. A coach might offer clarification about practice times if players show up at different hours.

The verb form is clarify: “Let me clarify what I meant.” Good communicators know when to ask for clarification rather than guessing, and when to offer clarification rather than leaving others confused.