Explanation Meaning
/ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/Definition, CEFR level A2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe act or process of explaining.
nounSomething that explains or makes understandable.
Sentence Examples
Thanks for your explanation.
Your explanation won't wash; it's too improbable to be true.
The most likely explanation is that his plane was delayed.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The teacher gave a thorough ____ of the chemical reaction's results.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The teacher gave a detailed ____ of the historical events that led to the French Revolution.
Word Origin & History
From Latin explanatio (“an explanation, interpretation”), from explanare (“explain”); see explain. Morphologically explain + -ation. Displaced native Old English racu.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The socialist will, of course, see in this merely a proof that the more intelligent person is today bound to become a socialist. But this is far from being the necessary or even the most likely explanation."
— 1949, F. A. Hayek, “The Intellectuals and Socialism”, in University of Chicago Law Review, volume 16, number 3, Chicago: University of Chicago, →DOI, page 427:
"This little explanation with Mr. Knightley gave Emma considerable pleasure."
— 1815, Jane Austen, Emma, volume III, chapter 3:
Explore More A2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The teacher gave a thorough ____ of the chemical reaction's results.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The teacher gave a detailed ____ of the historical events that led to the French Revolution.