Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

explanation

/ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.44 in modern English

Syllables: ex-pla-na-tion
IPA: /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/

20

Scrabble Score

11

Letters

4

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

The act or process of explaining.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Something that explains or makes understandable.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

A resolution of disputed points pursuant to discussion; a mutual clarification of disputed points; reconciliation.

Countable; Uncountable

Example Sentences

"The explanation was long and drawn-out."
"An explanation for the UFO sightings was easily found."
"The socialist will, of course, see in this merely a proof that the more intelligent person is today bound to become a socialist. But this is far from being the necessary or even the most likely explanation."
"This little explanation with Mr. Knightley gave Emma considerable pleasure."

Etymology

From Latin explanatio (“an explanation, interpretation”), from explanare (“explain”); see explain. Morphologically explain + -ation. Displaced native Old English racu.

Word Breakdown

Suffix: explain

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/
British English: /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/

Usage

Inflected Forms

explanations (plural) explaination (alternative)

Derived Forms

counterexplanation explainification explanationism explanationist misexplanation nonexplanation overexplanation reexplanation subexplanation

Phrases

explorable explanation inference to the best explanation

Frequently Paired Words

explain explanatory explicative explicator explicatory

Synonyms

clarification elucidation elaboration explaining explication femsplaining mansplaining mansplanation

Rhymes With

information education situation population station association administration operation organization nation location application

Questions

How do you pronounce explanation?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/.
What does explanation mean?: The act or process of explaining.
Where does explanation come from?: From Latin explanatio (“an explanation, interpretation”), from explanare (“explain”); see explain. Morphologically explain + -ation. Displaced native Old English racu.

How to pronounce explanation

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