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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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use elucidate in a sentence

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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