explanation

ex·pla·na·tion

Use explanation in a sentence

One student gives an explanation to his classmates.

noun

The definition of an explanation is something that clarifies or makes clear.

An example of an explanation is telling how rain forms.

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MLA Style

"explanation." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 12 December 2018. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/EXPLANATION>.

APA Style

explanation. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12th, 2018, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/EXPLANATION

explanation

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

Origin of explanation

Middle English explanacioun from Classical Latin explanatio from past participle of explanare

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MLA Style

"explanation." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 12 December 2018. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/EXPLANATION>.

APA Style

explanation. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12th, 2018, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/EXPLANATION

explanation

noun

The act or process of explaining: launched into a detailed explanation.
Something that explains: That was supposedly the explanation for their misdeeds.
A mutual clarification of misunderstandings; a reconciliation.

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"explanation." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 12 December 2018. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/EXPLANATION>.

APA Style

explanation. (n.d.). Retrieved December 12th, 2018, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/EXPLANATION

Noun

(plural explanations)

The act or process of explaining.
The explanation was long and drawn-out.
Something that explains, makes understandable.
An explanation for each UFO sighting was easily found.
(euphemistic) An excuse, apologetic justification not based on enough evidence.
Hoover supporters' "explanations" and former status rarely save him from modern ridicule as a useless expense.