Explanative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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explanative

[ษชkหˆsplรฆnษ™tษชv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in linguistics

Serving to explain or make clear; explanatory.

Synonyms

clarifying, explanatory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
explanative

Similar to 'explanatory'; mostly used interchangeably with 'explanative' but featured more commonly in older literature.

  • The explanative section in the guide provided much-needed insights
explanatory

Typically used in both formal and informal settings to describe material or speech that is intended to explain something complex or informative.

  • The explanatory video made it easy for beginners to grasp the software's basics
clarifying

Used when you need to make something clearer or easier to understand, often in everyday conversations or discussions.

  • She asked a clarifying question to ensure she understood the instructions correctly

Examples of usage

  • An explanative comment helped the students understand the complex concept.
  • The teacher provided an explanative diagram to illustrate the process.
Context #2 | Noun

in linguistics

A word, phrase, or clause that serves to explain or make clear.

Synonyms

clarification, explanation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
explanative

As mentioned earlier, it is used to describe something that has the intent of explaining, often seen in formal contexts.

  • The explanative report covered all aspects of the study.
  • The manual is very explanative, making it easy to understand.
explanation

Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts when you need to describe the reasons or details about something.

  • His explanation of the theory was very detailed.
  • I need an explanation for why the project is delayed.
clarification

Often used in everyday conversation or informal writing when you need to make something clear or resolve confusion.

  • Could you provide a clarification on the last point you made?
  • I asked for a clarification because I didn't understand the instructions.

Examples of usage

  • In this sentence, the explanative is 'which explains the concept.'
  • She used an explanative to provide additional information in her essay.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In writing, an explanative piece can help readers understand complex themes, such as in instructional texts or essays.
  • Authors often use this style to clarify charactersโ€™ motivations in stories, enhancing the reader's comprehension.
  • It is common in children's books where illustrations accompany explanations to simplify challenging concepts.

Education

  • Teachers use explanative techniques to enhance learning by breaking down difficult ideas into understandable segments.
  • Effective lessons often incorporate visuals and hands-on activities to support explanative teaching methods.
  • The goal is to foster better retention and understanding among students, making learning more engaging.

Communication

  • Explanative communication is crucial in professions like journalism, where clarity ensures accurate reporting of news.
  • In marketing, explanatory ads help consumers understand product features and benefits, aiding decision-making.
  • Public speaking relies heavily on explanative techniques to ensure the audience fully grasps the speaker's message.

Science

  • In scientific writing, explanatory sections clarify research methods and findings to enhance reproducibility and understanding.
  • Explanative diagrams, such as flowcharts or schematics, are often used to visualize complex processes, aiding comprehension.
  • During scientific presentations, clarity is achieved through explanative slides that summarize crucial data and concepts.

Origin of 'explanative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'explanare', meaning 'to make plain' or 'to make clear'.
  • It combines the prefix 'ex-' meaning 'out of' and 'planare' which translates to 'make flat or level', hinting at clarity.
  • The use of this word began in English around the late 19th century, adding depth to discussions about communication.

The word 'explanative' originates from the Latin word 'explanare,' which means 'to make plain or clear.' It entered the English language in the mid-17th century. Over time, it has been used in various fields, especially in linguistics, to denote something that provides explanation or clarification.


See also: explainable, explained, explainer, explanations, explanatory, inexplicable, inexplicably, unexplainable, unexplainableness, unexplainably, unexplained.