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

Then again, so is the emotional explanation provided by filmmaker David Lynch, who was in the crowd at the Beatles’ Coliseum show. —Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

That’s the only reasonable explanation for what happened to Our Flag Means Death. —Ew Staff, EW.com, 6 Dec. 2024

As their criminal plot and their body count begin to escalate, local law enforcement starts to take notice in the form of Gita Miller’s Teddy — along with Valérie Nadeau (Suzanne Clément), a detective dispatched from Montreal without explanation. —Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Dec. 2024

Use polite but detached responses and, if necessary, remove yourself from the conversation without detailed explanation. —Veronica Cristino, Vogue, 5 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