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

Cook’s lawyers have denied that she committed mortgage fraud but have not provided a detailed explanation of the context for the various mortgages.

From Salon

At the hearing, when asked for an explanation, Kennedy claimed he had asked Ms Monarez if she was a "trustworthy person" and she had replied "no", to some disbelief from his opponents in the room.

From BBC

He said she had offered "little remorse or explanation for her actions".

From BBC

After the explanation, Kimmel went back to listing common names among football players before Washington’s breakout.

From Los Angeles Times

These were nearly always approved, even though the agency wrote that finances were an insufficient explanation in a presentation on the permitting process.

From Salon

Related Words

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