elucidate

[ ih-loo-si-deyt ]

/ ɪˈlu sɪˌdeɪt /

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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.

Nearby words

elspeth, elt, elton, eluant, eluate, elucidate, elucidation, elucubrate, elude, eluent, elul

Origin of elucidate

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

Related forms

e·lu·ci·da·tion, noune·lu·ci·da·tive, adjectivee·lu·ci·da·tor, nounnon·e·lu·ci·dat·ing, adjective

non·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

Examples from the Web for 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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
This chart may at the same time be of service to elucidate Tasman's discoveries and those of his predecessors.
The Part Borne by the Dutch in the Discovery of Australia 1606-1765|J. E. Heeres
The editor of "The Monthly Magazine" now became interested in the matter, and himself took some trouble to elucidate the facts.
Farmer George, Volume 1|Lewis Melville

Elucidate the accident, by which you had me kidnapped to be sold into slavery.
The Sea-Hawk|Raphael Sabatini
When it became evident that he was not going to elucidate, she said, "Meaning Connie?"
The Helpers|Francis Lynde
We have, however, a further point to elucidate, the mode whereby this presence is effected.
The Abiding Presence of the Holy Ghost in the Soul|Bede Jarrett

British Dictionary definitions for elucidate

elucidate

/ (ɪˈluːsɪˌdeɪt) /

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

elucidate

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

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

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of elucidate

Synonym study

Examples from the Web for elucidate

British Dictionary definitions for elucidate

elucidate

verb

Word Origin for elucidate