explanations
Accounts that clarify
Explanations are statements or accounts that make something clear or understandable.
An explanation answers why or how: Her explanation of the delay satisfied no one.
The word implies more than mere description—it addresses causes, reasons, or mechanisms: The detective's explanation tied all the evidence together.
To owe someone an explanation is to be accountable for your actions.
Act of explaining clearly
- definitionStatement of meaning
- expositionSystematic explanatory presentation
- explicationDetailed interpretive analysis
- overviewBroad general summary
summary · outline · synopsis · description · account · breakdown · rundown · walkthrough
Protection against harm
- rationaleStated basis for action
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- alibiDefense of location
- vindicationClearance of blame
apology · plea · mitigation · extenuation · pretext · grounds · basis · warrant
Science of valid reasoning
- deductionConclusion from premises
- inductionFormal admission process
- argumentationSystematic reasoning process
- causalityCause-effect connection
premise · conclusion · cause and effect · why · because · therefore · thus · hence
Methodical study of parts
- exegesisCritical textual interpretation
- hermeneuticsStudy of interpretation methods
- inferenceConclusion reached through reasoning
- contextualizationPlacing something within circumstances
deconstruction · reading · gloss · commentary · annotation · parsing · construal · deciphering
Profession of instructing others
- demonstrationPublic display of opinion
- lessonUnit of teaching
- walkthroughSequential instructional guide
- how-toPractical instruction format
step-by-step · guide · tutorial · showing · illustrating · modeling · examples · coaching
Mentally sharp and comprehensible
- understandableAble to be grasped
- coherentLogically connected throughout
- transparentAllowing light through
- plainBasic and unremarkable
simple · straightforward · unambiguous · intelligible · comprehensible · precise · clear · articulate
elucidation
Act of explaining clearly
- definitionStatement of meaning
- expositionSystematic explanatory presentation
- explicationDetailed interpretive analysis
overview · summary · outline · synopsis · description · account · breakdown · rundown · walkthrough · tutorial
defense
Protection against harm
vindication · apology · plea · mitigation · extenuation · pretext · grounds · basis · warrant · rebuttal
logic
Science of valid reasoning
- deductionConclusion from premises
- inductionFormal admission process
- argumentationSystematic reasoning process
causality · premise · conclusion · cause and effect · why · because · therefore · thus · hence · since
analysis
Methodical study of parts
- exegesisCritical textual interpretation
- hermeneuticsStudy of interpretation methods
- inferenceConclusion reached through reasoning
contextualization · deconstruction · reading · gloss · commentary · annotation · parsing · construal · deciphering · close reading
teaching
Profession of instructing others
- demonstrationPublic display of opinion
- lessonUnit of teaching
- walkthroughSequential instructional guide
how-to · step-by-step · guide · tutorial · showing · illustrating · modeling · examples · coaching · mentoring
lucid
Mentally sharp and comprehensible
- understandableAble to be grasped
- coherentLogically connected throughout
- transparentAllowing light through
plain · simple · straightforward · unambiguous · intelligible · comprehensible · precise · clear · articulate · crystal-clear
- excusesexcuse, not my fault, overslept, alibi, excuses
- elucidationsclarifications, definitions, interpretations, expositions, explications
- teachingteaching, lesson plans, instructing, educating, courses
- curiosityinquisitiveness, wonder, questioning, inquiry, interest
- studyingstudying, study notes, learning, study plan, study session
- utterancesutterance, statements, exclamation, assertion, questions
explanationsobfuscations
Deliberate acts of confusion
confusions · mystifications · obscurities · complications · muddles
explanationsquestions
Requests for information
inquiries · queries · mysteries · puzzles · interrogations
explanationsproblems
Situations needing resolution
complications · dilemmas · difficulties · predicaments · quandaries
- natural explanation
- best explanation
- scientific explanationReasoned account of phenomena