explanation
Americannoun
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the act or process of explaining.
- Synonyms:
- description, interpretation, exposition, explication, elucidation
-
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.
noun
-
the act or process of explaining
-
a statement or occurrence that explains
-
a clarification of disputed terms or points; reconciliation
Other Word Forms
- overexplanation noun
- preexplanation noun
- reexplanation noun
Etymology
Origin of explanation
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Labour MP Dawn Butler wrote to the BBC asking for an "urgent explanation" as to why the slur was broadcast despite the show being on a delay.
From BBC
“And so if that, in fact, was true, what is the urgency as of this moment? That’s an open question, and the American people need a real explanation.”
From Salon
Elsewhere, analysts saw merit in the AI explanation.
From MarketWatch
Auditors said he offered various explanations for going where he did, such as meal or bathroom breaks and to check on licensed stores.
Ruth’s explanation was clear and detailed, “The Fox girls have been a great deal at my house and for about two years I was a very sincere believer in the rappings.”
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
