EXPLANATION

explanation

(noun) thought that makes something comprehensible

explanation, account

(noun) a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.; “the explanation was very simple”; “I expected a brief account”

explanation

(noun) the act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible; “I heard his explanation of the accident”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

explanation (countable and uncountable, plural explanations)

The act or process of explaining.

Something that explains, makes understandable.

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

Synonyms

• (act or process of explaining): clarification; elucidation; elaboration; explaining; femsplaining (pej, particularly by a feminist to a man); mansplaining, mansplanation (pej, particularly by a man to a woman)

Source: Wiktionary

Ex`pla*na"tion, n. Etym: [L. explanatio: cf. OF. esplanation.]

1. The act of explaining, expounding, or interpreting; the act of clearing from obscurity and making intelligible; as, the explanation of a passage in Scripture, or of a contract or treaty.

2. That which explains or makes clear; as, a satisfactory explanation.

3. The meaning attributed to anything by one who explains it; definition; inerpretation; sense. Different explanations [of the Trinity]. Bp. Burnet.

4. A mutual exposition of terms, meaning, or motives, with a view to adjust a misunderstanding, and reconcile differences; reconciliation; agreement; as, to come to an explanation.

Syn.

– Definition; description; explication; exposition; interpretation; detail. See Definition.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition