éclaircir

Senses

1. 1.

   to lighten, to make lighter

   to reduce darkness or weight

2. 2.

   to clarify, to clear up

   to make something unclear more understandable

3. 3.

   to thin out, to thin

   to make less dense (hair, a forest, etc.)

4. 4.

   to brighten

   to make brighter or lighter in color

Examples

• "Il a éclaircis sa chevelure en la coupant."

  He thinned out his hair by cutting it.

• "Peux-tu éclaircir cette situation ? Je ne comprends pas."

  Can you clarify this situation? I don't understand.

• "Le soleil éclaircit le ciel au lever du jour."

  The sun lightens the sky at daybreak.

Usage

Common transitive verb used in both literal (color, density) and figurative (explanation, understanding) contexts. Often reflexive as s'éclaircir (the situation is clearing up). Standard register.