éclaircir

to clarify, to lighten

verb eh-klehr-SEER Rare

Origin: From é- (out) + clair (clear) + -ir (verb suffix).

Usage Note

Éclaircir means to make clearer — a mystery (éclaircir un mystère), the sky (le ciel s'éclaircit), or hair colour (éclaircir ses cheveux). The reflexive s'éclaircir is used when something clears up on its own. The related noun is une éclaircie, a sunny break between clouds.

Examples

"Peux-tu éclaircir ce malentendu?"

Natural Translation

Can you clarify this misunderstanding?

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