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 meteorological explanation is summarized in the graphic below. —Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2025

One photo showed the couple holing mugs proclaiming the best parents ever, and the last slide needed an explanation. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 3 Jan. 2025

One explanation was changing consumer spending patterns. —Erin Brodwin, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025

There are a number of perfectly valid explanations for the initial insistence by FBI agent Alethea Duncan that the mass-casualty attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day was not a terrorist event. —Noah Rothman, National Review, 2 Jan. 2025

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