explicativamente en 30 secondes
- Explicativamente is a formal Spanish adverb meaning 'in an explanatory manner,' used to clarify or teach concepts.
- It is formed from the adjective 'explicativa' plus the suffix '-mente,' common in academic and professional Spanish.
- The word is often used with verbs of communication like 'hablar,' 'escribir,' and 'gesticular' to show intent.
- Avoid confusing it with 'explícitamente' (explicitly), as 'explicativamente' focuses specifically on the act of providing an explanation.
The Spanish adverb explicativamente is a sophisticated term used to describe actions performed with the intent of clarifying, teaching, or providing detail. It is the adverbial form of the adjective explicativo (explanatory), which in turn derives from the verb explicar (to explain). When you use this word, you are signaling that the manner of an action—usually speaking, writing, or gesturing—is aimed at making something understandable or removing ambiguity. In everyday Spanish, while people might opt for the simpler para explicar or de forma clara, explicativamente appears frequently in academic texts, legal documents, and formal presentations where precision is paramount.
- Semantic Core
- The word functions as a 'manner adverb.' It answers the question 'How?' (¿Cómo?). If a teacher points to a map, they don't just point; they point explicativamente to ensure students understand the geography.
- Register and Frequency
- This is a high-register word. You will encounter it in literary analysis, scientific reports, and philosophical treatises. It is less common in casual street Spanish but essential for B1 learners moving into B2 and C1 levels of professional proficiency.
"El autor utiliza las metáforas explicativamente para que el lector comprenda la complejidad del tiempo."
To use this word correctly, one must understand the morphology of Spanish adverbs ending in -mente. It is formed by taking the feminine singular form of the adjective (explicativa) and adding the suffix. This structure is equivalent to the English '-ly'. Thus, explicativamente translates directly to 'explanatorily' or 'in an explanatory manner'.
"Ella movió las manos explicativamente mientras describía el tamaño del paquete."
Using explicativamente requires placing it strategically within the sentence to modify the verb. In Spanish, adverbs of manner typically follow the verb they modify, though they can be placed at the beginning of a clause for emphasis. Because this is a long, multisyllabic word (seven syllables: ex-pli-ca-ti-va-men-te), it carries significant rhythmic weight in a sentence.
- Direct Verb Modification
- The most common usage is immediately following the verb. Example: 'El guía habló explicativamente sobre las ruinas'. This tells the listener that the guide wasn't just talking; he was in 'teaching mode'.
- Introductory Adverbial Phrase
- You can start a sentence with it to set the tone for the entire statement. Example: 'Explicativamente, podemos decir que el proceso consta de tres fases'. This translates to 'Explanatorily speaking...' or 'By way of explanation...'
"El manual detalla explicativamente cada paso del montaje."
It is important to distinguish explicativamente from its cousins like claramente (clearly) or detalladamente (in detail). While something explained explicativamente is often clear and detailed, the word specifically highlights the *intent* to educate or resolve a doubt. It is often paired with verbs of communication: decir, hablar, escribir, exponer, comentar, señalar.
"Los diagramas funcionan explicativamente dentro del informe técnico."
In the real world, you are most likely to encounter explicativamente in environments where information is being transferred systematically. This includes classrooms, corporate training sessions, judicial rulings, and high-quality journalism. It is a word of the 'intelligentsia' and the professional class.
- In Education
- Teachers use this word when discussing pedagogy. A lesson plan might state that a certain video will be used 'explicativamente' to introduce a new concept before the practical exercise begins.
- In Law and Administration
- Legal documents often have an 'Exposition of Motives' (Exposición de Motivos). Here, the legislator speaks explicativamente to justify why a new law is necessary, detailing the background and goals.
"El conferenciante se detuvo explicativamente en el tercer gráfico del Powerpoint."
In news media, particularly in 'periodismo de datos' (data journalism), reporters often use this word to describe the purpose of infographics. 'Este mapa interactivo sirve explicativamente para mostrar el avance del virus'. It clarifies that the map isn't just for decoration; it has a functional, educational purpose.
"El preámbulo del contrato redactado explicativamente evita malentendidos futuros."
While explicativamente is a useful word, its complexity leads to several common pitfalls for English speakers and even intermediate Spanish learners. Avoiding these will make your Spanish sound much more natural and precise.
- Confusing with 'Explícitamente'
- This is the most frequent error. Explícitamente means 'explicitly' (clearly stated, leaving no room for doubt). Explicativamente means 'in an explanatory manner'. If a boss gives a direct order, he speaks explícitamente. If he teaches you how to do the task, he speaks explicativamente.
- Gender Agreement Errors
- Learners sometimes try to change the ending to '-o' when referring to a male subject (e.g., *explicativamentO*). This is incorrect. All '-mente' adverbs are derived from the feminine form of the adjective and never change their ending.
Incorrect: "Él habló explicativamentO."
Correct: "Él habló explicativamente."
Another mistake is overusing the word in casual conversation. In a bar or with friends, saying 'Me lo dijo explicativamente' sounds overly stiff and robotic. In these contexts, it is better to say 'Me lo explicó muy bien' or 'Me lo dijo con pelos y señales' (with all the details).
"No confundas hablar explicativamente con hablar condescendientemente."
Depending on the nuance you want to convey, there are several alternatives to explicativamente. Choosing the right one can elevate your writing from 'correct' to 'elegant'.
- Aclaratoriamente
- This is the closest synonym. It comes from 'aclarar' (to clear up). Use this when the primary goal is to resolve a specific confusion or 'clear the air'.
- Didácticamente
- From 'didáctica' (teaching). Use this when the manner is specifically educational or pedagogical. It implies a teacher-student dynamic.
- Ilustrativamente
- Use this when the explanation involves examples, images, or metaphors that 'illustrate' the point.
"El científico expuso el problema didácticamente para el público general."
If you find explicativamente too long or formal, the most common alternative is to use the phrase 'a modo de explicación' or 'de forma explicativa'. These phrases are very common in both spoken and written Spanish and help avoid the heavy '-mente' ending.
"Lo mencionó aclaratoriamente para que no quedaran dudas sobre su intención."
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The word 'explicar' literally meant to 'un-fold' a scroll so that the text could be read and understood. Today, we 'unfold' ideas.
Guide de prononciation
- Stressing the 'ca' syllable like in 'explicativo'.
- Pronouncing the 'x' like a simple 's'.
- Adding an accent mark on the 'a' in 'explicativa'.
- Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'v' instead of a soft Spanish 'b/v'.
- Shortening the word because it is too long.
Niveau de difficulté
Easy to recognize because of the 'explicar' root.
Difficult to spell correctly and place naturally.
Very long word, hard to pronounce fluently in a sentence.
Recognizable in formal speeches.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Adverb formation with -mente
claro -> clara -> claramente
Adverb placement after the verb
Él habla explicativamente.
Invariability of adverbs
Ellas hablan explicativamente (no change).
Stress on '-mente' adverbs
ex-pli-ca-ti-va-MEN-te
Avoiding cacophony (repetitive -mente)
Usa 'de forma explicativa' si ya usaste otro adverbio.
Exemples par niveau
Él habla explicativamente sobre el mapa.
He speaks in an explanatory way about the map.
A1 students usually just say 'Él explica el mapa'.
Escribe explicativamente para nosotros.
Write in an explanatory way for us.
Focus on the verb 'escribir'.
El libro es explicativamente bueno.
The book is explanatorily good (meaning it explains well).
Adverbs modify adjectives too.
Ella señala explicativamente la puerta.
She points explanatorily at the door.
Señalar = to point.
Usa las manos explicativamente.
Use your hands in an explanatory way.
Manner adverb usage.
Dilo explicativamente, por favor.
Say it in an explanatory way, please.
Imperative mood.
El video funciona explicativamente.
The video works in an explanatory way.
Subject-Verb-Adverb.
Hablar explicativamente es difícil.
Speaking in an explanatory way is difficult.
Infinitive as subject.
El profesor movió las manos explicativamente.
The teacher moved his hands in an explanatory manner.
Past tense 'movió'.
El manual está escrito explicativamente.
The manual is written in an explanatory way.
Passive voice with 'está escrito'.
Ella respondió explicativamente a mi duda.
She answered my doubt in an explanatory way.
Preterite tense.
Los diagramas ayudan explicativamente.
The diagrams help in an explanatory way.
Plural subject.
El guía camina explicativamente por el museo.
The guide walks in an explanatory way through the museum.
Prepositional phrase 'por el museo'.
Debes actuar explicativamente con los niños.
You must act in an explanatory way with the children.
Modal verb 'debes'.
El cartel informa explicativamente.
The poster informs in an explanatory way.
Verb 'informar'.
Él mira el cuadro explicativamente.
He looks at the painting in an explanatory way.
Direct object 'el cuadro'.
El autor introduce el tema explicativamente en el primer capítulo.
The author introduces the topic in an explanatory manner in the first chapter.
B1 level focus on literary structure.
El médico habló explicativamente sobre el tratamiento.
The doctor spoke explanatorily about the treatment.
Professional context.
La nota al pie funciona explicativamente.
The footnote works in an explanatory way.
Academic vocabulary.
Explicativamente, el informe detalla los riesgos.
Explanatorily, the report details the risks.
Adverb at the start for emphasis.
Ella gesticulaba explicativamente mientras hablaba del motor.
She gestured in an explanatory way while talking about the engine.
Imperfect tense for ongoing action.
El prólogo sirve explicativamente para situar la obra.
The prologue serves in an explanatory way to situate the work.
Purpose clause with 'para'.
Él organizó los datos explicativamente.
He organized the data in an explanatory way.
Preterite tense.
La presentación fue diseñada explicativamente.
The presentation was designed in an explanatory way.
Passive voice.
La sentencia judicial fue redactada explicativamente para evitar apelaciones.
The judicial sentence was drafted in an explanatory manner to avoid appeals.
Legal register.
El científico desglosó los resultados explicativamente.
The scientist broke down the results in an explanatory way.
Verb 'desglosar' (to break down).
El conferenciante se detuvo explicativamente en la diapositiva cinco.
The speaker paused in an explanatory way on slide five.
Reflexive verb 'detenerse'.
Las leyes deben redactarse explicativamente.
Laws should be drafted in an explanatory manner.
Passive 'se' construction.
Ella comentó el texto explicativamente, citando varias fuentes.
She commented on the text explanatorily, citing several sources.
Gerund 'citando' for simultaneous action.
El manual de usuario está estructurado explicativamente.
The user manual is structured in an explanatory way.
Adjective-Adverb pair.
El diseño de la interfaz actúa explicativamente para el usuario.
The interface design acts in an explanatory way for the user.
Tech context.
Él argumentó explicativamente su postura ante el comité.
He argued his position explanatorily before the committee.
Formal argument.
El ensayo aborda la ontología explicativamente, sin recurrir a tecnicismos excesivos.
The essay approaches ontology in an explanatory manner, without resorting to excessive technicalities.
C1 level philosophical context.
El narrador interviene explicativamente para aclarar el contexto histórico.
The narrator intervenes in an explanatory way to clarify the historical context.
Literary theory context.
La exposición se desarrolla explicativamente a través de tres ejes temáticos.
The exhibition develops in an explanatory way through three thematic axes.
Abstract structure.
El político se expresó explicativamente para calmar a la opinión pública.
The politician expressed himself in an explanatory manner to calm public opinion.
Political discourse.
El preámbulo del tratado opera explicativamente sobre las intenciones de las partes.
The preamble of the treaty operates in an explanatory way regarding the parties' intentions.
International law.
Se procedió explicativamente a la deconstrucción del mito.
The deconstruction of the myth proceeded in an explanatory manner.
Impersonal 'se'.
El autor glosa el poema explicativamente.
The author glosses the poem in an explanatory way.
Verb 'glosar'.
La arquitectura del edificio se revela explicativamente al visitante.
The building's architecture reveals itself in an explanatory way to the visitor.
Metaphorical usage.
La exégesis bíblica se realizó explicativamente, desentrañando cada semema.
The biblical exegesis was performed in an explanatory manner, unraveling each sememe.
C2 linguistic/theological register.
El discurso fluye explicativamente, entrelazando lógica y retórica con maestría.
The discourse flows explanatorily, intertwining logic and rhetoric with mastery.
Advanced flow description.
La fenomenología del espíritu se presenta explicativamente en este volumen.
The phenomenology of spirit is presented in an explanatory way in this volume.
Philosophical reference.
El crítico desmenuza la obra explicativamente, revelando su estructura subyacente.
The critic shreds the work explanatorily, revealing its underlying structure.
Verb 'desmenuzar' (to shred/analyze).
La taxonomía se aplica explicativamente para categorizar las nuevas especies.
Taxonomy is applied in an explanatory way to categorize the new species.
Scientific precision.
El tratado de paz fue glosado explicativamente por los embajadores.
The peace treaty was glossed in an explanatory manner by the ambassadors.
Passive voice.
La teoría se despliega explicativamente a lo largo del simposio.
The theory unfolds in an explanatory way throughout the symposium.
Formal event description.
Su silencio fue roto explicativamente por una breve nota aclaratoria.
His silence was broken in an explanatory way by a short clarifying note.
Literary narrative.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— By way of explanation. A common alternative to the adverb.
Lo dijo a modo de explicación.
— For explanatory purposes. Used in technical documents.
Se incluye este mapa con fines explicativos.
— Explanatory nature. Describes the quality of something.
Es un texto de carácter explicativo.
— Explanatory dictionary. A dictionary that defines words in detail.
Uso un diccionario explicativo de español.
— Explanatory memorandum. Common in business and law.
Presentó una memoria explicativa del proyecto.
Souvent confondu avec
Means 'explicitly'. Focuses on being direct and clear, not necessarily on explaining.
Means 'specifically'. Focuses on a particular item, not on the manner of explaining.
Means 'extensively'. Focuses on length and breadth, not on the intent to clarify.
Expressions idiomatiques
— With every little detail. A less formal way to say something was explained thoroughly.
Me lo explicó con pelos y señales.
informal— To clarify things exactly. To leave no room for doubt.
Habló explicativamente para poner los puntos sobre las íes.
neutral— To speak clearly/simply. Used when an explanation is too complex.
¡Háblame en cristiano, por favor!
informal— To give a lesson. Can be used literally or figuratively.
Me dio una lección explicativamente sobre la vida.
neutral— To make a sketch. Used when someone needs a very simple explanation.
¿Quieres que te haga un croquis?
informal— To be an open book. Someone who explains things very clearly.
Él es un libro abierto cuando habla de ciencia.
neutral— To get to the point. The opposite of a long explanatory manner.
No hables explicativamente, ve al grano.
informal— To chew the information. To explain something so simply that it's easy to digest.
Nos dio la información ya masticada.
informal— To speak frankly. Sometimes confused with being explanatory, but focuses on honesty.
No tiene pelos en la lengua al explicar sus motivos.
informalFacile à confondre
It is the adjective form.
Explicativo modifies nouns (un texto explicativo); explicativamente modifies verbs (escribir explicativamente).
Es un libro explicativo / Él escribe explicativamente.
Similar sound.
Explícito means clear/obvious; explicativo means for the purpose of explanation.
Fue muy explícito con sus órdenes.
Same root.
Explicable means 'able to be explained'.
Su conducta es explicable.
The noun form.
Explicación is the thing itself; explicativamente is the way you do it.
Dio una explicación / Habló explicativamente.
Opposite prefix.
Implicativamente would relate to implication, though it is very rare.
N/A
Structures de phrases
[Subject] + [Verb] + explicativamente
El profesor habla explicativamente.
[Verb] + explicativamente + [Object]
Detalló explicativamente el plan.
Explicativamente, [Clause]
Explicativamente, el autor nos guía por la historia.
[Subject] + [Verb] + [Object] + explicativamente
Él diseñó el gráfico explicativamente.
[Subject] + se + [Verb] + explicativamente
El texto se desarrolla explicativamente.
A modo de + [Noun], + [Verb] + explicativamente
A modo de prólogo, escribió explicativamente.
[Adverbial Clause], + [Verb] + explicativamente
Sin ser pedante, habló explicativamente.
[Subject] + [Verb] + [Adverb] + y + explicativamente
Habló clara y explicativamente.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Low in speech, Medium in formal writing.
-
Using 'explicativamentO'
→
explicativamente
Adverbs never end in 'o'.
-
Confusing with 'explícitamente'
→
explicativamente
One is for clarity (explicitly), the other for explaining (explanatorily).
-
Adding an accent mark: 'explicativámente'
→
explicativamente
There is no accent on this word.
-
Using it in casual slang
→
Me lo explicó bien
The word is too formal for the street.
-
Using 'explicativamente' to mean 'quickly'
→
rápidamente
It only refers to the manner of explanation, not speed.
Astuces
The Root Rule
Always look for 'explicar' inside the word. If the person is explaining, the word is explicativamente.
-Mente Suffix
Remember that '-mente' is the Spanish '-ly'. If you want to say 'explanatorily', this is your word.
Avoid Clutter
Don't use 'explicativamente' if you already have three other '-mente' words in the same paragraph.
The 'Men' Stress
Always put the strongest emphasis on the 'MEN' part of the word.
Formal Only
Save this word for your boss, your professor, or your legal documents. Don't use it at a party.
Comma Use
If you start a sentence with 'Explicativamente', always follow it with a comma.
Context Clues
If you hear this word, expect a detailed explanation or a diagram to follow.
Visualizing
When you see this word, visualize someone teaching on a chalkboard.
Synonym Swap
If you can't pronounce it, use 'de manera explicativa' instead. It means the same thing.
Word Family
Review 'explicativo' and 'explicación' together to solidify the family in your mind.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of an EX-PLayer who is now a CA-tain and TIVE-ly (actively) explaining the game. EX-PLI-CA-TIVE-MENTE.
Association visuelle
Imagine a person unfolding a giant map and pointing at it with a laser pointer to teach a class.
Word Web
Défi
Try to say 'explicativamente' five times fast without tripping over the syllables. Then, write a sentence using it to describe your favorite teacher.
Origine du mot
From the Latin 'explicare', meaning 'to unfold' or 'to unroll'. The prefix 'ex-' means 'out' and 'plicare' means 'to fold'.
Sens originel : To unfold something that was folded, making it plain and clear to see.
Romance (Latin root).Contexte culturel
There are no major sensitivities, but be careful not to sound condescending (mansplaining) when using this word.
English speakers often prefer 'to explain' or 'explanatory', whereas Spanish speakers in formal settings love the adverbial form '-mente'.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Academic Writing
- El autor argumenta explicativamente...
- Se analiza explicativamente el fenómeno...
- Introducir el tema explicativamente...
- Desglosar los datos explicativamente...
Legal Documents
- La ley dispone explicativamente...
- En el preámbulo se detalla explicativamente...
- Actuar explicativamente ante el juez...
- Redactar la cláusula explicativamente...
Technical Manuals
- El manual funciona explicativamente...
- Siga los pasos detallados explicativamente...
- La imagen sirve explicativamente...
- Configurar el sistema explicativamente...
Classroom/Teaching
- El profesor habla explicativamente...
- Señalar el mapa explicativamente...
- Responder explicativamente a las dudas...
- Organizar la lección explicativamente...
Public Speaking
- Permítanme hablar explicativamente...
- Gesticular explicativamente al público...
- Exponer los motivos explicativamente...
- Concluir explicativamente la charla...
Amorces de conversation
"¿Podrías hablarme explicativamente sobre cómo funciona este software?"
"¿Crees que los políticos hoy en día se expresan explicativamente o solo confunden?"
"En tu trabajo, ¿sueles redactar los informes de forma explicativamente?"
"¿Qué libro que hayas leído trata su tema más explicativamente?"
"¿Prefieres que un profesor hable rápido o explicativamente?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe un momento en el que alguien te explicó algo muy complejo explicativamente y finalmente lo entendiste.
Escribe un párrafo sobre tu pasatiempo favorito utilizando la palabra 'explicativamente' al menos dos veces.
¿Cómo cambiaría la comunicación en las redes sociales si todos habláramos más explicativamente?
Reflexiona sobre la importancia de redactar las leyes explicativamente para los ciudadanos.
Describe el estilo de enseñanza de tu profesor favorito usando el adverbio 'explicativamente'.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is quite formal. In daily life, people usually say 'lo explicó bien' or 'de forma clara'. Use it in essays or business meetings.
Explicativamente means 'in an explanatory way' (to teach). Explícitamente means 'explicitly' (clearly stated). Example: 'He explained it explicativamente' vs 'He said no explícitamente'.
No. Although 'explicativo' and 'explicar' don't have accents on the root, some long adverbs are confusing. This one has no written accent.
Yes, you can use it to set the tone for a paragraph, followed by a comma. Example: 'Explicativamente, el autor nos muestra...'
It is always 'explicativamente'. Adverbs in Spanish do not change for gender.
Try 'de forma clara' or 'claramente', although 'aclaratoriamente' is also good.
Yes! 'Mirar explicativamente' implies looking at someone in a way that suggests you are about to explain something or that your gaze is clarifying.
Yes, it is used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, primarily in formal and educational contexts.
It has 7 syllables: ex-pli-ca-ti-va-men-te.
It might appear in reading passages, but you aren't usually expected to produce it until B2/C1 levels. Knowing it gives you a 'bonus' for vocabulary range.
Teste-toi 107 questions
Write a sentence using 'explicativamente' in a classroom context.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'He spoke explanatorily.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Use 'explicativamente' to describe a manual.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a formal sentence about a scientific report.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate: 'The author introduces the topic in an explanatory way.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Create a sentence with 'gesticular' and 'explicativamente'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence starting with 'Explicativamente,'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Pronounce 'explicativamente' clearly.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Explain a simple concept using the word 'explicativamente'.
Read this aloud:
Tu as dit :
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Listen to the sentence: 'El autor glosa el texto explicativamente.' What word was used to describe the action?
/ 107 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The adverb 'explicativamente' is your go-to word for formal Spanish when you want to describe an action done for the purpose of clarification. For example: 'El manual detalla explicativamente el proceso'.
- Explicativamente is a formal Spanish adverb meaning 'in an explanatory manner,' used to clarify or teach concepts.
- It is formed from the adjective 'explicativa' plus the suffix '-mente,' common in academic and professional Spanish.
- The word is often used with verbs of communication like 'hablar,' 'escribir,' and 'gesticular' to show intent.
- Avoid confusing it with 'explícitamente' (explicitly), as 'explicativamente' focuses specifically on the act of providing an explanation.
The Root Rule
Always look for 'explicar' inside the word. If the person is explaining, the word is explicativamente.
-Mente Suffix
Remember that '-mente' is the Spanish '-ly'. If you want to say 'explanatorily', this is your word.
Avoid Clutter
Don't use 'explicativamente' if you already have three other '-mente' words in the same paragraph.
The 'Men' Stress
Always put the strongest emphasis on the 'MEN' part of the word.
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