'clarify' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'clarificare', where 'clarus' meant 'clear' and 'facere' meant 'to make'.

'clarificare' transformed into the Old French word 'clarifier', and eventually became the modern English word 'clarify' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make clear or bright', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to make something clear or easier to understand'.