disambiguate
Make meaning clear
To disambiguate is to remove ambiguity—to clarify which of several possible meanings applies.
The word appears most often in technical contexts: linguists disambiguate sentences, programmers disambiguate code, and Wikipedia editors disambiguate pages that share a title.
Context usually disambiguates the word "bank" for us.
Recognize as distinct
- separateTo set apart
- differentiateIdentify differences between things
- discriminateTreat unequally based on category
- tell apartRecognize differences between
discern · identify · specify · categorize · classify · sort · sift · individualize
Interpret meaning or intent
- interpretExtract or convey meaning
- parseExamine syntax closely
- readComprehend written language
- understandGrasp the meaning
comprehend · contextualize · decode · unpack · nuance · infer · explicate · signification
To make understood
- explainMake something understood
- clarifyMake something understandable
- illuminateSupply with radiance
- demystifyExplain something confusing
unravel · decode · simplify · shed light · break down · spell out · make clear · clear up
distinguish
Recognize as distinct
- separateTo set apart
- differentiateIdentify differences between things
- discriminateTreat unequally based on category
tell apart · discern · identify · specify · categorize · classify · sort · sift · individualize · pinpoint
construe
Interpret meaning or intent
understand · comprehend · contextualize · decode · unpack · nuance · infer · explicate · signification · polysemy
elucidate
To make understood
- explainMake something understood
- clarifyMake something understandable
- illuminateSupply with radiance
demystify · unravel · decode · simplify · shed light · break down · spell out · make clear · clear up · explicate
resolve
Firmness of purpose
establish · confirm · clear up · sort out · conclude · finalize · pin down · nail down · arbitrate · adjudicate
disambiguation, disambiguated, disambiguating, disambiguates, disambiguations