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View synonyms for

explanation

[ek-spluh-ney-shuhn]

noun

  1. the act or process of explaining.

    Synonyms: , , , ,
  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: , ,
  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

/ ˌɛəˈԱɪʃə /

noun

  1. the act or process of explaining

  2. a statement or occurrence that explains

  3. a clarification of disputed terms or points; reconciliation

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • overexplanation noun
  • preexplanation noun
  • reexplanation noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of explanation1

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English explanacioun, from Latin پō-, stem of پō, from (ܲ) “made understandable” (past participle of “to smooth out, make understandable”) + -ion; explain
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

There’s a discernible pattern here that I don’t claim to understand, although I'm afraid the most likely explanation can be summed up with the words “military-industrial complex.”

From

Stewards rejected Tsunoda's explanations for his actions, saying Piastri was not going slow enough to excuse the breaking of a safety rule.

From

She also said the Mexican restaurant next door abruptly closed its doors for two days, without explanation.

From

“The lack of guidance for small businesses and those who work in the area are being swept up in this blanket policy with no explanation or details,” she wrote in an email.

From

While the opposition demanded answers on Thursday, deputy prime minister Yolanda Díaz from left-wing coalition partner Sumar said she also wanted explanations.

From

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