explanation
An explanation is a statement that makes something clear or gives a reason for why it happened.
Explanation at your level:
An explanation is when you tell someone why something happened. If you are late, you give an explanation. It helps people understand you better.
When you don't understand something, you ask for an explanation. It is a story or a reason that makes a topic clear. Teachers give explanations to help students learn new things.
An explanation provides the reasoning or justification for an action or event. It is a way to clarify complex information so that others can follow your logic. You might provide an explanation for a mistake at work or explain a difficult concept to a peer.
The term explanation refers to the act of making something plain or intelligible. It often involves breaking down complex phenomena into smaller, logical parts. In professional contexts, providing a clear explanation is essential for effective communication and problem-solving.
An explanation serves as a cognitive tool used to resolve ambiguity or provide causal links between disparate facts. It is not merely a statement of truth, but an interpretative framework that allows the listener to grasp the underlying mechanism of an occurrence or theory.
Beyond its functional definition, an explanation represents the human impulse to impose order upon chaos. Etymologically rooted in the concept of 'flattening' or 'unfolding', it is an intellectual process of revealing the hidden structure of reality. Whether in literary criticism or theoretical physics, the power of an explanation lies in its ability to synthesize complexity into a coherent, accessible narrative.
Wort in 30 Sekunden
- Explanation is a noun meaning a statement that makes things clear.
- It is a countable noun, so use 'an' before it.
- Commonly used with verbs 'give' or 'provide'.
- It comes from the Latin 'explanare', meaning to flatten out.
At its core, an explanation is the bridge between a mystery and clarity. Whether you are a scientist describing a chemical reaction or a student telling your teacher why your homework is late, you are providing an explanation.
It isn't just about giving facts; it is about providing the context that helps others see the logic behind a situation. When we ask for an explanation, we are essentially asking for the 'why' or the 'how' to make sense of the world around us.
The word explanation comes from the Latin word explanare, which literally means 'to flatten out' or 'to make plain.' Think of it like taking a crumpled piece of paper—which represents a confusing idea—and smoothing it out on a desk so you can read every word clearly.
It entered the English language in the 15th century, evolving from the Old French explanation. The shift from a physical action (flattening) to a mental action (clarifying) shows how language often turns our physical experiences into abstract concepts.
You will find explanation used in almost every setting, from casual chats to high-level academic papers. We often use it with verbs like give, provide, or demand.
In a formal register, you might 'offer a detailed explanation' for a project failure. In a casual setting, you might just ask a friend, 'What's the explanation for that?' It is a highly versatile noun that fits into any conversation where clarity is required.
While there aren't many idioms strictly containing the word, we use phrases like 'beyond explanation' to describe something mysterious. Another common one is 'in need of an explanation', which implies that someone's behavior is confusing or suspicious.
You might also hear 'begs for an explanation', which means a situation is so strange that it requires an immediate answer. These expressions help us convey the urgency or mystery behind a lack of understanding.
The word is a countable noun, so you can have one explanation or many explanations. It is commonly preceded by articles like 'an' or 'the'.
Pronunciation-wise, it is /ˌekspləˈneɪʃn/. The stress falls on the third syllable (-na-). It rhymes with words like sensation, foundation, and creation, making it part of a large family of nouns ending in -tion.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'plain'—making something 'plain' means making it clear.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'eks' sound, stress on 'na'.
Similar to UK, slightly more emphasis on the 'a' sound.
Common Errors
- Misplacing the stress on the first syllable
- Dropping the 'n' at the end
- Pronouncing it like 'explain-ation'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Common word, easy to read.
Easy to spell once learned.
Common in daily speech.
Easy to hear.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Fortgeschritten
Grammar to Know
Articles (a/an)
an explanation
Noun Collocations
give/provide an explanation
Countable Nouns
one explanation, two explanations
Examples by Level
I need an explanation.
I need a reason.
Use 'an' before vowels.
What is the explanation?
Why did it happen?
Noun usage.
He gave a good explanation.
He explained well.
Adjective + noun.
No explanation is needed.
It is clear.
Passive voice.
Read the explanation.
Look at the text.
Imperative.
I want an explanation now.
Tell me why.
Direct request.
The explanation was short.
It was brief.
Subject + verb.
That is my explanation.
This is my reason.
Possessive pronoun.
Can you give me an explanation for this?
His explanation was very clear.
I don't have an explanation for the noise.
The teacher's explanation helped me.
She asked for a simple explanation.
There is no easy explanation for that.
Please write an explanation of the rules.
I listened to his long explanation.
The manual provides a detailed explanation of the device.
He offered a weak explanation for his absence.
I am looking for a logical explanation.
Her explanation cleared up all my doubts.
The scientist gave a technical explanation.
We need an explanation for the sudden change.
Is there any scientific explanation for this?
He couldn't find an explanation for the error.
His behavior defies any rational explanation.
The report includes a brief explanation of the methodology.
She provided a compelling explanation for her decision.
There is no plausible explanation for the disappearance.
He gave a convoluted explanation that confused everyone.
The article offers a fascinating explanation of the phenomenon.
I demand an explanation for this unprofessional conduct.
A clear explanation is vital for team success.
The theory provides a robust explanation for the observed data.
His explanation was steeped in academic jargon.
She sought an explanation for the underlying cause of the crisis.
The author's explanation of the plot was quite insightful.
There is a profound explanation for this cultural shift.
He articulated an explanation that silenced his critics.
The complexity of the situation eludes simple explanation.
We must formulate a comprehensive explanation for the stakeholders.
The philosopher attempted a metaphysical explanation of existence.
His explanation was a masterpiece of rhetorical clarity.
The mystery remains beyond the reach of human explanation.
She provided a nuanced explanation of the socio-economic factors.
The historical explanation for the conflict is multifaceted.
Such phenomena require a rigorous scientific explanation.
His explanation was nothing short of brilliant.
The text serves as an explanation of the core tenets.
Häufige Kollokationen
Idioms & Expressions
"beyond explanation"
impossible to explain
The beauty of the sunset was beyond explanation.
neutral"in need of an explanation"
requires an answer
This situation is in need of an explanation.
formal"begs for an explanation"
very strange and needs to be addressed
His sudden departure begs for an explanation.
casual"without explanation"
with no reason given
He left without explanation.
neutral"by way of explanation"
as a way to explain
He said nothing by way of explanation.
formal"stand in need of explanation"
needs to be clarified
These figures stand in need of explanation.
formalEasily Confused
Both give reasons.
Excuse is often negative; explanation is neutral.
He had an excuse for being late (negative). He gave an explanation for the data (neutral).
Both clarify meaning.
Interpretation is subjective; explanation is usually based on facts.
That is his interpretation of the poem.
Both explain actions.
Justification focuses on proving an action was right.
He provided a justification for his choice.
Both describe events.
Account is a narrative of what happened.
She gave a detailed account of the accident.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + give + an explanation + for + noun
She gave an explanation for the error.
There + be + an explanation + for + noun
There is an explanation for this.
Subject + demand + an explanation + from + person
I demand an explanation from you.
Subject + provide + a detailed explanation + of + noun
He provided a detailed explanation of the theory.
Subject + find + an explanation + for + noun
We could not find an explanation for the glitch.
Wortfamilie
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Verwandt
How to Use It
9/10
Formality Scale
Häufige Fehler
Explain is a verb, explanation is the noun.
You must use the noun form.
An explanation is neutral; an excuse is often negative.
Collocations prefer 'give' or 'provide'.
It is a countable noun.
Tips
The Flattening Trick
Remember that 'ex-plain' means to flatten out confusion.
Use 'Provide'
In business, use 'provide an explanation' instead of 'give an explanation' to sound more professional.
Politeness
When asking for an explanation, use 'Could you please...' to be polite.
Check the Article
Always remember 'an' before explanation because it starts with a vowel.
Stress the 'NAY'
Make sure to hit the 'NAY' syllable strongly.
Don't say 'explaination'
It is 'explanation' (no extra 'i' after 'explain').
Did You Know?
The word is related to 'plain'—like a flat field.
The 'Why' Game
Practice by asking 'Why?' and then giving a full explanation.
Be Clear
Your explanation should always be shorter than the problem you are solving.
Listen for 'Why'
Whenever you hear 'why' in a movie, listen for the explanation that follows.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Ex-plain: I 'ex' (out) the 'plain' (flat) confusion.
Visual Association
A teacher smoothing out a wrinkled piece of paper.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Write a one-sentence explanation for why you are learning English today.
Wortherkunft
Latin
Original meaning: To flatten out or spread out
Kultureller Kontext
None, it is a neutral term.
Commonly used in schools and workplaces to clarify expectations.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At School
- Please explain this.
- I need an explanation.
- Is there an explanation?
At Work
- Provide an explanation.
- The explanation for the delay.
- I require an explanation.
In Science
- Scientific explanation.
- Logical explanation.
- Theoretical explanation.
In Daily Life
- What is the explanation?
- No explanation needed.
- That is my explanation.
Conversation Starters
"Can you give me an explanation of your favorite hobby?"
"What is the best explanation you have heard for a difficult problem?"
"Do you think every mystery has a logical explanation?"
"When was the last time you had to give an explanation for a mistake?"
"Why do some people struggle to provide a clear explanation?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you needed an explanation for something confusing.
Describe a situation where you had to explain a complex idea to someone else.
Do you believe that some things in life are beyond explanation? Why?
Write an explanation for why you are studying English.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
8 FragenYes, you can have one explanation or many explanations.
The verb is 'explain'.
Yes, it is very common in formal writing.
Not always. An explanation is neutral, while an excuse often implies avoiding blame.
ek-spluh-NAY-shun.
Explanatory.
No, that is grammatically incorrect.
It helps others understand your reasoning and builds trust.
Teste dich selbst
Please give me an ___ for being late.
We need a noun here.
What is an explanation?
An explanation helps clarify a reason.
Is 'explanation' a verb?
It is a noun. The verb is 'explain'.
Word
Bedeutung
These are common collocations.
Subject + verb + object.
His ___ for the delay was not convincing.
Noun needed.
Which word is a synonym?
Clarification means making something clear.
Can you 'make' an explanation?
We usually 'give' or 'provide' an explanation.
Word
Bedeutung
Word family matching.
This is beyond explanation.
Ergebnis: /10
Summary
An explanation is the key to turning confusion into understanding.
- Explanation is a noun meaning a statement that makes things clear.
- It is a countable noun, so use 'an' before it.
- Commonly used with verbs 'give' or 'provide'.
- It comes from the Latin 'explanare', meaning to flatten out.
The Flattening Trick
Remember that 'ex-plain' means to flatten out confusion.
Use 'Provide'
In business, use 'provide an explanation' instead of 'give an explanation' to sound more professional.
Politeness
When asking for an explanation, use 'Could you please...' to be polite.
Check the Article
Always remember 'an' before explanation because it starts with a vowel.
