Definition of explanation Explanation

/ɛˌksplʌnejˈʃʌn/ - [ekspluneyshun] - ex•pla•na•tion

We found 12 definitions of explanation from 5 different sources.

What does explanation mean?

WordNet

Noun Plural: explanations
explanation - a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.; "the explanation was very simple"; "I expected a brief account"
		account
		statement a document showing credits and debits
		explanandum, explicandum (logic) a statement of something (a fact or thing or expression) to be explained
		explanans (logic) statements that explain the explicandum; the explanatory premises
		simplification elimination of superfluous details
		accounting a system that provides quantitative information about finances
		reason the capacity for rational thought or inference or discrimination; "we are told that man is endowed with reason and capable of distinguishing good from evil"
		justification the act of defending or explaining or making excuses for by reasoning; "the justification of barbarous means by holy ends"- H.J.Muller
		exposition (music) the section of a movement (especially in sonata form) where the major musical themes first occur
		explication a detailed explanation of the meaning of something
		gloss, rubric an explanation or definition of an obscure word in a text
		deriving, etymologizing, derivation (historical linguistics) an explanation of the historical origins of a word or phrase
		definition clarity of outline; "exercise had given his muscles superior definition"
		interpretation an explanation of something that is not immediately obvious; "the edict was subject to many interpretations"; "he annoyed us with his interpreting of parables"; "often imitations are extended to provide a more accurate rendition of the child's intended meaning"
explanation - thought that makes something comprehensible
		cerebration, intellection, mentation, thinking, thought process, thought the process of using your mind to consider something carefully; "thinking always made him frown"; "she paused for thought"
		interpreting, interpretation, rendition, rendering an explanation of something that is not immediately obvious; "the edict was subject to many interpretations"; "he annoyed us with his interpreting of parables"; "often imitations are extended to provide a more accurate rendition of the child's intended meaning"
		rationale, principle (law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature); "the rationale for capital punishment"; "the principles of internal-combustion engines"
		basis, cornerstone, fundament, groundwork, foundation, base the fundamental assumptions from which something is begun or developed or calculated or explained; "the whole argument rested on a basis of conjecture"
		key metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated
		rationalisation, rationalization the organization of a business according to scientific principles of management in order to increase efficiency
explanation - the act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible; "I heard his explanation of the accident"
		speech act the use of language to perform some act
		elucidation an act of explaining that serves to clear up and cast light on

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Wiktionary

explanation (Noun)
The act or process of explaining.
explanation (Noun)
Something that explains, makes understandable.
explanation (Noun)
An excuse, apologetic justification not based on enough evidence.

Webster DictionaryWebster's Unabridged Dictionary 📘

explanation (n.)
The act of explaining, expounding, or interpreting; the act of clearing from obscurity and making intelligible; as, the explanation of a passage in Scripture, or of a contract or treaty.
explanation (n.)
That which explains or makes clear; as, a satisfactory explanation.
explanation (n.)
The meaning attributed to anything by one who explains it; definition; interpretation; sense.
explanation (n.)
A mutual exposition of terms, meaning, or motives, with a view to adjust a misunderstanding, and reconcile differences; reconciliation; agreement; as, to come to an explanation.