explanation
English
Etymology
From Latin explanatio (“an explanation, interpretation”), from explanare (“explain”); see explain.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/
Audio (US) (file) - Rhymes: -eɪʃən
Noun
explanation (countable and uncountable, plural explanations)
- The act or process of explaining.
- The explanation was long and drawn-out.
- Something that explains, makes understandable.
- An explanation for the UFO sightings was easily found.
- A resolution of disputed points pursuant to discussion; a mutual clarification of disputed points; reconciliation.
- 1815, Jane Austen, Emma, volume III, chapter 3:
- This little explanation with Mr. Knightley gave Emma considerable pleasure.
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Synonyms
- (act or process of explaining): clarification; elucidation; elaboration; explaining; mansplaining, mansplanation (pej., particularly by a man to a woman)
Related terms
Translations
the act or process of explaining
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something that explains
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euphemism for excuse
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- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables, removing any numbers. Numbers do not necessarily match those in definitions. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout#Translations.
Translations to be checked
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Further reading
- explanation in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
- explanation in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
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