Explanation

//ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən// noun

noun ·Common ·High school level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    The act or process of explaining. countable, uncountable

    "The explanation was long and drawn-out."

  2. 2
    thought that makes something comprehensible wordnet
  3. 3
    Something that explains or makes understandable. countable, uncountable

    "An explanation for the UFO sightings was easily found."

  4. 4
    a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc. wordnet
  5. 5
    A resolution of disputed points pursuant to discussion; a mutual clarification of disputed points; reconciliation. countable, uncountable

    "This little explanation with Mr. Knightley gave Emma considerable pleasure."

Show 1 more definition
  1. 6
    the act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible wordnet

Synonyms

All synonyms
clarificationglossabstractionaccomplishmentaccountaccount

Example

More examples

"Your explanation won't wash; it's too improbable to be true."

Etymology

From Latin explanatio (“an explanation, interpretation”), from explanare (“explain”); see explain. Morphologically explain + -ation. Displaced native Old English racu.

Related phrases

explorable explanationinference to the best explanationtell why

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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.