Explainable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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explainable

[ɪkˈspleɪnəbəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in tech field

Able to be understood or explained clearly and logically.

Synonyms

clear, logical, understandable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
explainable	Use when referring to something that can be clarified or made comprehensible, often in regards to complex ideas or phenomena. The sudden drop in temperature was explainable by the coming cold front. His actions were explainable once you understood his background.
understandable	Use when describing something that can be grasped or known, often even if it's complex or difficult. His nervousness before the interview is understandable. The manual made the assembly process understandable.
clear	Use when something is easily understood without any confusion, straightforward and plain to see. Her instructions were clear and easy to follow. It's clear that he didn't mean to offend anyone.
logical	Use when referring to reasoning or thinking that follows a coherent and consistent line, based on sound principles or facts. Her argument was logical and well-constructed. It's logical to assume that he will arrive on time given his prior punctuality.

Examples of usage

The algorithm's decision-making process is explainable and transparent.
The data analysis provided explainable results.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

Something that can be explained or understood easily.

Synonyms

clear, comprehensible, understandable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
explainable	When something can be described in a detailed and logical manner, particularly in academic or technical settings. The professor provided an explainable reason for the phenomenon observed in the experiment. Despite the complexity, the theory is quite explainable with proper evidence and reasoning.
understandable	When something is easy to grasp or relate to, often used in situations involving emotional or practical comprehension. Her feelings were understandable given the circumstances. It is understandable why he made that decision under pressure.
clear	When something is easily seen, obvious, or without ambiguity, often used in everyday conversation. The instructions were clear, so everyone understood what to do. It was clear she was upset about the news.
comprehensible	When something can be understood, often used in formal writing or speech. It may imply that the subject was challenging but made understandable. The lecture was designed to be comprehensible, even to those new to the topic. Her explanation of the complex process was surprisingly comprehensible.

Examples of usage

The concept of explainable AI is gaining importance in the industry.
The teacher's explanations were always clear and explainable.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

In fields like data science and machine learning, 'explainable AI' is a hot topic, focusing on making complex algorithms understandable to humans.
Research has shown that explainability in science promotes trust and encourages the adoption of new technologies.
The concept of 'explainability' is crucial in settings like medicine, where clear explanations can significantly impact patient understanding and treatment outcomes.

Education

Effective teaching strategies often focus on making lessons 'explainable', so students can better grasp and retain new information.
Learning methodologies emphasize that when students can explain concepts in their own words, they have truly understood the material.
Curriculum design has increasingly aimed to incorporate 'explainable' assessments, allowing students to demonstrate their understanding in clear, straightforward terms.

Technology

The rise of 'explainable algorithms' has paved the way for transparency in technology, helping users understand how decisions are made by systems.
User interfaces are increasingly designed to be 'explainable', ensuring that users know what steps they need to take and why.
In cybersecurity, 'explainable systems' help in understanding why certain security measures are in place, which is important for compliance and user trust.

Philosophy

The idea of 'explainability' is crucial in philosophy, particularly in discussions around knowledge and belief—what can be justified and understood is often deemed credible.
Philosophers debate the limits of what can and cannot be explained, pondering if some concepts are inherently 'unexplainable' due to their complexity.
In ethics, the requirement for 'explainable' decision-making is increasingly important, particularly in AI, raising questions about accountability.

Origin of 'explainable'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin root 'explanare', which means 'to make clear' or 'to flatten out'.
It emerged in the English language in the early 19th century, reflecting a growing need for clarity in communication.
The use of 'able' as a suffix indicates capability, implying that something can be explained.

The word 'explainable' is a combination of the verb 'explain' and the suffix '-able', which means 'capable of'. It first appeared in the mid-19th century. The concept of explainability has become increasingly important in fields such as artificial intelligence and data science, where the ability to understand and interpret decisions made by algorithms is crucial for transparency and trust.