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explanation definition

ex·pla·na·tion (eks′plə nā′s̸hən)

noun

  1. the act of explaining
  2. something that explains
  3. the interpretation, meaning, or sense given in explaining
  4. a mutual defining of terms, declaration of motives, etc. to clear up a misunderstanding or settle a dispute

Etymology: ME explanacioun < L explanatio < pp. of explanare

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

explanation Synonyms

explanation

n.

  1. The act of making clear

    elucidation, clarification, interpretation, narration, recital, rendition, showing, display, exposition, explication, elaboration, demonstration, specification, definition, confession, description, telling, talking, writing, expression.

  2. Something intended to make clear

    information, answer, account, reason, statement, illustration, description, comment, justification, rationalization, narrative, story, tale, history, annotation, glossary, footnote, anecdote, example, apology, excuse, alibi, plea, defense, rationale, analysis, criticism, exegesis, résumé, gloss, key, solution, commentary, note, summary, report, brief, the details, breakdown, evidence, the dope*; see also proof 1.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

explanation Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • defy: Andy has encountered some very strange events in his household within the last couple of years which defy simple explanation.

Converse of subject

  • accompany: Your design should be accompanied by an explanation: why should humanists adopt your new design?

Adjective modifier

  • plausible: There, at least, is a plausible explanation of the disk shape.

Noun used with modifier

  • grammar: In the grammar explanations which follow each dialog, examples are taken from the dialog out of context.

Preposition: of

  • phenomenon: They use the particle model of matter in explanations of phenomena for example, changes of state.

Preposition: for

  • phenomenon: New explanations for the phenomenon, therefore, have to be sought.
explanation usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

explanation quotes

And Coleridge, too, has lately taken wing, But, like a hawk encumbered with his hood, Explaining metaphysics to the nationö I wished he would explain his explanation.

-Rochdale

Many peopleapparentlydon'ttrusttheir reactionstoart or to music unless there is a verbal explanation for it.In music the only thing that matters is whether you feel it or not.

-Coleman, Ornette

It is stupid of modern civilization to have given up believing in the devil, when he is the only explanation of it.

-Knox, Ronald Arbuthnot

explanation quotes (more)

Webster's New World Dictionary of Quotations Copyright © 2005 by Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Published by Wiley, Hoboken, NJ. Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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"explanation." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/explanation>

APA Style

explanation. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/explanation

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