elucidate

[ih-loo-si-deyt]

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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.

Origin of elucidate

1560–70; < Late Latin ēlūcidātus (past participle of ēlūcidāre) enlightened, equivalent to ē- e-¹ + lūcid(us) lucid + -ātus -ate¹

Related formse·lu·ci·da·tion, noune·lu·ci·da·tive, adjectivee·lu·ci·da·tor, nounnon·e·lu·ci·dat·ing, adjectivenon·e·lu·ci·da·tion, nounnon·e·lu·ci·da·tive, adjectiveun·e·lu·ci·dat·ed, adjectiveun·e·lu·ci·dat·ing, adjectiveun·e·lu·ci·da·tive, adjective

Synonym study

See explain.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for elucidate

exemplify, expound, illuminate, decode, explicate, enlighten, prove, clear, gloss, annotate, clarify, unfold, demonstrate, interpret, illustrate

Examples from the Web for elucidate

Contemporary Examples of elucidate

The Biggest Loser could elucidate just what kind of a commitment it takes to be successful in the long-term.
‘The Biggest Loser’ Could Be TV’s Most Important Show Ever
Daniela Drake
September 26, 2014
To elucidate his point, he turned a boot upside down and pointed to the thick, tire-like treads on its sole.
Obama's Fashion Faux Pas
Nicole LaPorte
June 3, 2010

Historical Examples of elucidate

But that is not the question; the problem I have to elucidate!
A Nest of Spies
Pierre Souvestre
Elucidate the accident, by which you had me kidnapped to be sold into slavery.
The Sea-Hawk
Raphael Sabatini
Hereafter I hope to elucidate at length these phenomena of expression.
Essays: Scientific, Political, & Speculative, Vol. I
Herbert Spencer
It may help to elucidate this matter if we regard it from another point of view.
Mind and Motion and Monism
George John Romanes
Toryl, somewhat deflated, but by no means defeated, hastened to elucidate.
Jubilation, U.S.A.
G. L. Vandenburg

British Dictionary definitions for elucidate

elucidate

verb

to make clear (something obscure or difficult); clarify

Derived Formselucidation, 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

Word Origin and History for elucidate

1560s, perhaps via Middle French élucider (15c.) or directly from Late Latin elucidatus, past participle of elucidare "make clear," from ex- "out, away" (see ex-) + lucidus "clear" (see lucid). Related: Elucidated; elucidates; elucidating.