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 elucidative

exegetic, explanative, explicative, hermeneutic, hermeneutical, illustrative, informative, instructive, interpretative, interpretive, annotative, clarifying, exegetical, explicatory, informing

Examples from the Web for elucidative

Contemporary Examples of elucidative

Not being nearly as eloquent or elucidative as my great-great grandfather, I will leave the great man to speak for himself.
Winthrop Roosevelt on the Oil Boom that Threatens His Great-Great-Grandfather’s Legacy
Winthrop Roosevelt
April 2, 2013

British Dictionary definitions for elucidative

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 elucidative

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.