explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of explaining

2

: something that explains

gave no explanation

Synonyms

• clarification
• construction
• elucidation
• exegesis
• explication
• exposition
• illumination
• illustration
• interpretation
• road map

Examples of explanation in a Sentence

The professor's explanation was that the poem is really a parody.

an explanation of photosynthesis that most museum visitors will be able to understand

Recent Examples on the Web

Godot provides extensive documentation with clear explanations for even its most confusing concepts. —PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024

For the lower 3-D level of fossils, the explanation of cause of death is much more banal: burrow collapse. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024

Of course, pre-album hype isn’t a complete explanation; Chromakopia ultimately lived up to the hype, ensuring that its consumption numbers didn’t dramatically taper off as the tracking week continued. —Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2024

Judge Angelo Foglietta refused to block the giveaways in a one-page order with no explanation. —Julia Shapero, The Hill, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing explanation

• by way of explanation

Kids Definition

explanation

noun

ex·​pla·​na·​tion ˌek-splə-ˈnā-shən 

1

: the act or process of explaining

2

: a statement that makes something clear