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explicandum

explicandum

1 9.9
A fact or event that needs an explanation, for example why something happens
  • noun
  • /ˌɛksplɪˈkændəm/
  • Specialized
: explicandum
  • Careful identification of the explicandum helps avoid ambiguity in scientific explanation.

Examples

  • Before proposing a theory, one must clearly state the explicandum to be addressed.

  • The explicandum in this case is why the phenomenon occurs under such conditions.

  • The explicandum was unclear.

  • Can you identify the explicandum in this discussion?

  • In her thesis, she identified the main explicandum as the reasons behind climate change.

  • The scientist formulated his research around the explicandum that ocean temperatures affect weather patterns.

  • During the lecture, the professor explained the explicandum that serves as the basis for understanding the theory.

Synonyms

explanandum
vsexplicandum
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A fact or event that people want to understand

is used especially to contrast that item with its explanation

Surface Forms

explicandum singular
explicanda plural

Etymology

The word explicandum comes from the Latin verb explicare, which means 'to unfold' or 'make clear' and is the same root as the English word explain. So an explicandum is the thing 'to be explained', the statement or fact you want someone to make clear.