explanation

[ ek-spluh-ney-shuhn ]

/ ˌɛk spləˈneɪ ʃən /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR explanation ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act or process of explaining.

something that explains; a statement made to clarify something and make it understandable; exposition: an explanation of a poem.

a meaning or interpretation: to find an explanation for a mystery.

a mutual declaration of the meaning of words spoken, actions, motives, etc., with a view to adjusting a misunderstanding or reconciling differences: After a long and emotional explanation they were friends again.

Words nearby explanation

expiscate, explain, explain away, explain oneself, explanate, explanation, explanatory, explant, explement, explementary angle, expletive

Origin of explanation

1350–1400; Middle English explanacioun < Latin explānātiōn- (stem of explānātiō), equivalent to explānāt(us) (see explanate) + -iōn- -ion

SYNONYMS FOR explanation

1 elucidation, explication, exposition, interpretation, description.

3 solution, key, answer.

SEE SYNONYMS FOR explanation ON THESAURUS.COM

OTHER WORDS FROM explanation

o·ver·ex·pla·na·tion, nounpre·ex·pla·na·tion, nounre·ex·pla·na·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for explanation

Have you looked around the American Dental Association website for an explanation of how fluoridation actually works?
Anti-Fluoriders Are The OG Anti-Vaxxers|Michael Schulson|July 27, 2016|DAILY BEAST
That explanation is believable…but increasingly less so when you hear Jay talk about the nature of his relationship with Adnan.
The Deal With Serial’s Jay? He’s Pissed Off, Mucks Up Our Timeline|Emily Shire|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The deacon said he is demanding an explanation from Williams.
Exposed: The Gay-Bashing Pastor’s Same-Sex Assault|M.L. Nestel|December 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
However the expression on his face offered some explanation.
The Life and Hard Times Of The Family A Cuban Defector Left Behind|Brin-Jonathan Butler|December 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST

His explanation only diminishes the irresistible excitement we feel while watching Tony Perkins peer at Janet Leigh in her shower.
Alfred Hitchcock’s Fade to Black: The Great Director’s Final Days|David Freeman|December 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Becoming impatient of this delay, Madame Nelson pressed them for an explanation.
A Lady's Captivity among Chinese Pirates in the Chinese Seas|Fanny Loviot
One may be puzzled for a few minutes, but the explanation is simple enough.
The inventions, researches and writings of Nikola Tesla|Thomas Commerford Martin
In the circumstances enumerated we have the explanation of an extraordinary fact.
About Orchids|Frederick Boyle
There was not one word in explanation of this astonishing announcement.
In Direst Peril|David Christie Murray
The officer seemed delighted with my explanation, and the straightforward manner in which I told him everything.
A Soldier's Experience or A Voice from the Ranks: Showing the Cost of War in Blood and Treasure|Timothy Gowing

British Dictionary definitions for explanation

explanation

/ (ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən) /

noun

the act or process of explaining

a statement or occurrence that explains

a clarification of disputed terms or points; reconciliation

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

explanation

noun

Words related to explanation

Words nearby explanation

Origin of explanation

SYNONYMS FOR explanation

OTHER WORDS FROM explanation

Examples from the Web for explanation

British Dictionary definitions for explanation

noun