ek-spluh-NAY-shun
Explanation is a statement or account that makes something clear by describing relevant details, reasons, or causes. It's the act of making something understandable by providing information about how or why something happens, works, or exists. Explanations bridge the gap between confusion and comprehension.
20
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
💡 Pro Tip:
EXPLANATION contains the valuable X (8 points) and common suffix -TION. Its 11 letters can create multiple crosswords. Look for opportunities to play it using existing words ending in -PLAIN or beginning with EX-.
An explanation is a statement, description, or account that clarifies something by providing relevant information, reasons, or causes. It serves to make something understandable, intelligible, or clear to someone who lacks knowledge or understanding about a particular subject, event, or phenomenon.
Explanations function as cognitive bridges, connecting what someone already knows to new information they're trying to understand. They can range from simple clarifications of word meanings to complex scientific theories that describe natural phenomena. The quality of an explanation is often judged by how effectively it reduces confusion and increases understanding.
In communication, explanations serve multiple purposes: they educate, justify, clarify, and interpret. A good explanation considers the audience's existing knowledge and builds upon it systematically. It may use examples, analogies, visual aids, or step-by-step breakdowns to convey complex ideas in accessible ways.
In word games, EXPLANATION is a premium play due to its length (11 letters) and the high-value X worth 8 points. The word contains common prefixes (EX-) and suffixes (-TION), making it easier to build from existing board positions. Its combination of frequent and valuable letters provides strategic flexibility for creating multiple crosswords.
The word "explanation" derives from the Latin "explanatio," which comes from the verb "explanare" meaning "to make plain or clear." This Latin root combines "ex-" (out) + "planus" (flat, plain), literally suggesting the act of "flattening out" or "laying out flat" something that was previously folded or complex.
The etymological journey of "explanation" follows this path:
The metaphor embedded in the etymology is revealing: just as one might unfold a map to see the whole terrain clearly, an explanation "unfolds" complex ideas to reveal their structure and relationships. This spatial metaphor of making something "plain" or "flat" persists in related phrases like "spell out," "lay out," and "break down."
Words with similar meaning
Clarification
Making something less confused and more comprehensible
Elucidation
Detailed explanation that sheds light on something
Interpretation
Explanation of meaning or significance
Account
Report or description of an event or experience
Justification
Explanation showing something to be reasonable
Exposition
Comprehensive description and explanation
Words with opposite meaning
Confusion
State of being unclear or puzzled
Obfuscation
Deliberate making of something unclear
Mystery
Something unexplained or unknown
Complication
Making something more complex
Mystification
Making mysterious or obscure
Concealment
Keeping something hidden or secret
Verb Form
explain
Can you explain how this works?
Adjective Form
explanatory
She provided explanatory notes.
Related Terms
Thorough and comprehensive account
Easy-to-understand clarification
Evidence-based account of phenomena
Logical and acceptable account
Total base points: 18 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 5 | Consonants: 6
High-value letters: X (8 pts), P (3 pts)
Prefix
EX- (out, from)
Root
PLAN (flat, plain)
Suffix
-ATION (action/result)
Subwords
If you can't play EXPLANATION, consider these subwords:
"The professor's explanation of quantum mechanics used everyday analogies to make complex concepts accessible to undergraduate students."
"After three different explanations, the math concept finally clicked for the struggling student."
"The textbook provided a step-by-step explanation of the chemical reaction process."
Medical: "The doctor's explanation of the procedure helped ease the patient's anxiety."
Legal: "The lawyer demanded an explanation for the missing evidence."
Technical: "The manual lacks a clear explanation of the error codes."
These explain why something happens by identifying causes and effects. Example: "The ice melted because the temperature rose above freezing." Common in science and everyday reasoning.
These explain something by describing its purpose or function. Example: "The heart pumps blood to deliver oxygen throughout the body." Often used in biology and engineering.
These explain actions by referencing intentions, beliefs, or desires. Example: "She studied hard because she wanted to pass the exam." Common in psychology and social contexts.
These explain how to do something through step-by-step instructions. Example: "To bake a cake, first preheat the oven, then mix the dry ingredients..." Essential in tutorials and guides.
Explanation vs. Excuse
Explanation clarifies; excuse justifies or defends
Explanation vs. Description
Explanation tells why/how; description tells what
Circular Explanations
Avoid explaining something using itself
Over-explanation
Providing too much detail can confuse rather than clarify
CLARIFICATION
Act of making clear
ELUCIDATION
Detailed explanation
INTERPRETATION
Explaining meaning
JUSTIFICATION
Showing reasonableness
EXPOSITION
Comprehensive description
DEMONSTRATION
Showing by example
Other valuable long words ending in -TION in Scrabble
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like EXPLANATION