Skip to main content
explanation

explanation

1.0
A statement that makes something clear or helps someone understand
  • noun
  • /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/
translation icon : explicación
  • The teacher provided a clear explanation of the difficult math problem.
  • a possible explanation
  • provide an explanation
  • an alternative explanation

And that's when you need the adaptive explanation, right?

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • There has to be some logical explanation, but I can't think of what it is.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Thanks to brain science, we now have a plausible explanation for such experiences.

    Academic text (2011)
  • So I was looking for a clear explanation of that.

  • I am waiting for an explanation, sir.

  • I want an explanation of this.

  • I would really like an explanation.

  • Chuck gave us an explanation about why these are special.

  • I've never heard a good explanation for how that all came together.

  • There are many possible explanations for why individuals choose to participate in exercise during free time.

    Academic text (2011)
  • There are two possible explanations for the low level of personal accomplishment.

    Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

reason
vsexplanation
1.0

A cause or explanation for something that happened

is any clarifying account, not only statements of cause
definition
vsexplanation
653 1.3

A short, clear explanation of what a word or phrase means

is a more general account and not limited to word meanings
account
vsexplanation
466 3.0

A report that describes what happened

is focused on helping understanding rather than reporting events
interpretation
vsexplanation
314 4.4

An explanation of what something means

is aimed at making facts clear rather than offering one understanding
justification
vsexplanation
156 4.0

A reason or explanation that shows an action is acceptable

is neutral about judgement and aims simply to make things clear
rationale
vsexplanation
79 6.0

A set of reasons that explains a decision or action

is any account helping understanding, not only logical justifications
clarification
vsexplanation
62 3.3

An explanation that makes something easier to understand

is more general, covering any account that helps someone understand
accounting
vsexplanation
37 3.7

A clear explanation of what happened and why

focuses on clarity generally rather than on causal revelation
expansion
vsexplanation
19 3.9

More detail added to an idea to make it clearer

is focused on clarity and understanding rather than simply adding detail
exposition
vsexplanation
16 5.5

A clear explanation of an idea or subject that makes it easy to understand

is broader and can be informal or brief, not always detailed
rendition
vsexplanation
7 7.4

An explanation of something that is hard to understand

is broader, covering plain accounts as well as subtle interpretations
explainer
vsexplanation
3 3.9

A person or tool that makes things easy to understand

is the content that makes understanding possible rather than the presenter
illumination
vsexplanation
3 5.3

A clear explanation that makes something easier to understand

is any helpful account, not only those giving intellectual insight
explication
vsexplanation
  • Literature
2 8.1

A clear, detailed explanation that helps you understand a text or idea

is simpler and can be shorter without deep interpretation
elucidation
vsexplanation
  • Formal
1 6.5

An explanation that makes something clear and easy to understand

is the broader act of making something clear rather than this precise clarification
explicative
vsexplanation
7.7

A short note that makes something clear and easy to understand

is any full account that helps understanding rather than a brief remark
expounding
vsexplanation
  • Formal
7.7

A detailed explanation of an idea or topic, often written

is the general act of making clear, not necessarily systematic
explanans
vsexplanation
  • Specialized
9.9

Words or sentences that explain why something happens

is the general account used by listeners to gain understanding

Antonyms

389 1.8

A time when things are not organized and people do not know what to think or do

5 7.4

Hard to understand or see, making people feel confused

Compounds

A strong request asking someone to explain or justify their words and actions

6.9

A simple idea about why something happened that misses important facts

A statement that is hard to understand and makes people confused

How Clear

demonstration
172 2.7
clarification
62 3.3
explanation
1.0
account
466 3.0
statement
  • Formal
1.3

Surface Forms

explanation singular
explanations plural

Morphology

explanation = explain (transparent) = explain + ation

Standard nominalization of the verb 'explain' with the suffix '-ation', yielding a noun meaning the act or result of explaining.

Etymology

The word explanation comes from Latin parts ex- 'out' and planus 'plain', the same root as the English word plain. So an explanation is something that 'makes things plain' or brings an idea 'out' so people can understand.