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 explanation for the existence of these movements is commonly thought to be, straightforwardly, a natural reaction to leftist and liberal policies. —Rafael Perez, Orange County Register, 19 July 2024

Here’s a quick explanation for how things went wrong so quickly for so many Windows users around the world, including airlines, hospitals, banks and government agencies. —Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2024

And there is a honking good explanation: All their geese are dead. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 19 July 2024

Wide receiver Darius Slayton’s recent explanation of why Daboll’s play calls can be confusing carried on a theme from the spring: this is not an easy system to learn and execute. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 19 July 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