explanation

UK: /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃ^ən/ US: /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/ ,(ek′splə nā′shən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ex•pla•na•tion /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/   n. 

1. [uncountable] the act or process of explaining.
2. something that explains:
   [countable] one of many explanations.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

ex•pla•na•tion  (ek′splə nā′shən), n. 

1. the act or process of explaining.
2. something that explains;
   a statement made to clarify something and make it understandable;
   exposition:
   an explanation of a poem.
3. a meaning or interpretation:
   to find an explanation for a mystery.
4. a mutual declaration of the meaning of words spoken, actions, motives, etc., with a view to adjusting a misunderstanding or reconciling differences:
   After a long and emotional explanation they were friends again.

• Latin explānātiōn- (stem of explānātiō), equivalent. to explānāt(us) (see explanate) + -iōn- -ion
• Middle English explanacioun 1350–1400

Synonyms

• 1. elucidation, explication, exposition, interpretation, description.
• 3. solution, key, answer.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

explanation / ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/ noun

1. the act or process of explaining
2. a statement or occurrence that explains
3. a clarification of disputed terms or points; reconciliation