Added 9 October 2026
explanation
/ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/ noun
In Latin: explanatio, lux Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about explanation at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
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A statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
the explanation was very simple
- Thought that makes something comprehensible.
-
The act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible.
I heard his explanation of the accident
Origin
From Latin explanatio (“an explanation, interpretation”), from explanare (“explain”); see explain. Morphologically explain + -ation. Displaced native Old English racu.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)