Explanation

/ˌɛk.spləˈneɪ.ʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A statement or account that makes something clear.
The teacher gave an explanation of the science experiment to help the students understand.
The act of explaining something.
He offered an explanation for why he was late to the meeting.
A reason or justification for an action or belief.
Her explanation for her decision was well thought out and convincing.
Something that serves to clarify or enlighten.
The author provided an explanation of the complex themes in his novel.

Etymology

From Latin 'explanatio' meaning 'a making plain or clear'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

give an explanation
To provide a reason or clarification about something.
understanding without explanation
To grasp a concept or idea intuitively, without needing detailed reasoning.
explanation point
A phrase sometimes used to emphasize the importance of a clarification.

Related Words

explain
To make something clear by describing it in more detail.
explanatory
Serving to explain something.
explaining
The act of making something understandable.

Slang Meanings

Break it down
Can you break it down for me? I need a simpler explanation.
Spill the beans
Come on, spill the beans! I need an explanation.