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elucidate

[ ih-loo-si-deyt ]
/ ɪˈlu sɪˌdeɪt /
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See synonyms for: elucidate / elucidating / elucidation / elucidative on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), e·lu·ci·dat·ed, e·lu·ci·dat·ing.

to make lucid or clear; throw light upon; explain: an explanation that elucidated his recent strange behavior.

verb (used without object), e·lu·ci·dat·ed, e·lu·ci·dat·ing.

to provide clarification; explain.

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Origin of elucidate

First recorded in 1560–70; from Late Latin ēlūcidātus “enlightened” (past participle of ēlūcidāre ), equivalent to ē- intensive prefix + lūcid(us) “bright, shining, clear, clear to the understanding” + -ātus adjective suffix; see origin at e-1, lucid, -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM elucidate

Words nearby elucidate

Elton, El Toro, eluant, Éluard, eluate, elucidate, elucidation, elucubrate, elude, eluent, Elul
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

WHEN TO USE

What are other ways to say elucidate?

To elucidate something is to throw light upon it or make it clear. How does elucidate compare to synonyms explain, expound, and interpret? Find out on Thesaurus.com.

Words related to elucidate

exemplify, expound, illuminate, get across, clear up, decode, explicate, enlighten, prove, clear, gloss, annotate, clarify, unfold, demonstrate, interpret, illustrate, spell out, shed light on, throw light on

Example sentences from the Web for elucidate

British Dictionary definitions for elucidate

elucidate
/ (ɪˈluːsɪˌdeɪt) /

verb

to make clear (something obscure or difficult); clarify

Derived forms of elucidate

elucidation, nounelucidative or elucidatory, adjectiveelucidator, noun

Word Origin for elucidate

C16: from Late Latin ēlūcidāre to enlighten; see lucid
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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