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

The lack of explanation left us a bit mystified by most of the courses. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 17 Dec. 2024

Still, the Selzer poll’s more than 16-percentage-point miss was wide enough that the pollster conceded she had been troubled by it and had racked her brain for explanations. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Dec. 2024

The Pemberton food and retail park in downtown Phoenix abruptly closed without explanation in February after three years. —Bahar Anooshahr, The Arizona Republic, 17 Dec. 2024

What's New In a brief order without explanation, the Supreme Court declined to hear Navarro's appeal regarding a Justice Department lawsuit. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 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