Entry Word: explanation

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a statement that makes something clear <an explanation of photosynthesis that the whole class was able to understand>

Synonyms clarification, construction, elucidation, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration, interpretation

Related Words paraphrase, restatement, translation; deciphering, decoding; disentanglement, unscrambling; analysis; definition, meaning; demonstration, enactment; justification, rationale, rationalization, reasoning

2 a statement given to explain a belief or act <when questioned by authorities, the students were unable to give an explanation for their senseless vandalism> — see reason 1