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Explaining Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
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explaining

[ษชkหˆspleษช.nษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

action, description

Explaining refers to the act of making something clear or easy to understand. It involves breaking down complex information and presenting it in a way that is accessible to the audience. This process may include providing examples, illustrations, or comparisons to enhance comprehension. Explaining is a crucial skill in teaching, communication, and conveying information effectively.

Synonyms

clarifying, describing, elucidating, interpreting.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher is explaining the math problem.
  • Can you explain how this machine works?
  • He spent hours explaining his theory to the group.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Education

  • Explaining concepts is a fundamental part of teaching, allowing students to build connections and deepen understanding.
  • Research shows that teaching others is one of the most effective ways to learn and retain new information.
  • Methods of explaining vary across cultures; some emphasize storytelling, while others may use structured outlines.

Psychology

  • Explaining ideas can reduce misunderstandings and foster connections between people.
  • Cognitive load theory suggests that effective explanations help manage the amount of information learners receive, facilitating better learning.
  • Social learning theory highlights that observing others explain actions influences how we imitate and understand those actions.

Pop Culture

  • Many popular educational videos on platforms like YouTube focus on explaining complex subjects in easily digestible formats.
  • The rise of podcasts has created a new culture of explaining, where hosts break down topics from science to history in engaging ways.
  • Comedians often use explaining as a technique in stand-up routines, making observational humor relatable and clear.

Literature

  • Explanatory writing is crucial in non-fiction genres, helping readers grasp themes and ideas clearly.
  • Many literary works involve characters who must explain their motivations or actions to others, driving the plot forward.
  • Authors often use the art of explaining through metaphors and similes, making their descriptions vivid and relatable.

Origin of 'explaining'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'explanare,' which means 'to make clear' or 'to unfold.'
  • It entered the English language in the early 15th century, highlighting the importance of clear communication.
  • The prefix 'ex-' means 'out' and the root 'planare' means 'to make level' in Latin, indicating the process of bringing clarity.

The word 'explain' originates from the Latin verb 'explanare', which means 'to make plain or clear'. This term comprises 'ex-', meaning 'out', and 'planare', meaning 'to level or smooth'. Over time, it evolved through Old French as 'explaner' before entering the English lexicon in the late Middle Ages. The concept of explaining has always been closely tied to the sharing of knowledge and communication, reflecting humanity's desire to understand and make sense of the world around us. It emphasizes the importance of clarity in discourse and the ability to convey meaning effectively to others.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,968, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.