explanation Hear it!

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

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.

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.
  • give: There's no explanation given for why growth rates are suddenly of no interest.
  • require: So where a section or part of a section does not seem to require any explanation or comment, none is given.
  • seek: The sacred 260 day calendar of early Mesoamerican civilisations Bob Johnson seeks an explanation for the Mayan calendar.
  • provide: Or he is not, in which case he cannot provide an explanation.
  • offer: Have you ever felt that you couldn't trust the reviewer or the person who is offering an 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.
  • brief: Each application heading has a brief explanation of its use.
  • detailed: A detailed explanation, with examples, is given in my CDs.
  • rational: There is a rational explanation: in some of these mutants, particular subsets of nerve cells are absent.
  • satisfactory: Could there be satisfactory explanations of human behavior which made no appeal to beliefs or desires?
  • causal: These theories provide not only descriptions of, but also causal explanations for, the behavior of moving objects.

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.
  • origin: A further explanation of the origin of the name was not required.
  • blackbody: Ivey one of later that he explanation of blackbody.
  • concept: Relevant for AS and A2 Levels of study, it provides explanations of mathematical concepts and how these are then applied in biology.

Preposition: for

  • phenomenon: New explanations for the phenomenon, therefore, have to be sought.
  • delay: The Chief Executive has offered no explanation for this further delay.