explanation

[ek-spluh-ney-shuhn]

noun

1. the act or process of explaining.

   Synonyms: description, interpretation, exposition, explication, elucidation

2. something that explains; a statement made to clarify something and make it understandable; exposition.

   an explanation of a poem.

3. a meaning or interpretation.

   to find an explanation for a mystery.

   Synonyms: answer, key, solution

4. 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.

explanation

/ ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of explaining

2. a statement or occurrence that explains

3. a clarification of disputed terms or points; reconciliation

Other Word Forms

• overexplanation noun
• preexplanation noun
• reexplanation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of explanation¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English explanacioun, from Latin explānātiōn-, stem of explānātiō, from explānāt(us) “made understandable” (past participle of explānāre “to smooth out, make understandable”) + -iō -ion; explain

Example Sentences

One possible explanation is the mutation is being passed on more successfully.

From BBC

There’s not much explanation — or demonstration — as to how Aaron actually flavored his biscuits.

From Salon

Deputy Chief Magistrate Sharon Freund said there was a reformation of the case after two alleged victims withdrew, though there was no explanation as to why they were no longer part of the case.

From BBC

And so on Monday, as Filipinos demanded an explanation, President Marcos Jr announced an inquiry that would "unmask the swindlers and find out how much they stole".

From BBC

Later the same month, the investigatory powers tribunal also rejected MI5's explanations and requested a new investigation.

From BBC

Related Words

• account 
• answer 
• cause 
• comment 
• commentary 
• confession 
• definition 
• description 
• evidence 
• example 
• excuse 
• expression 
• information 
• interpretation 
• justification 
• meaning 
• motive 
• note 
• report 
• resolution