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Webster 1913 Edition


Explanation

Exˊpla-na′tion

,
Noun.
[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; interpretation; sense.
Different
explanations
[of the Trinity].
Bp. Burnet.
Syn. – Definition; description; explication; exposition; interpretation; detail. See
Definition
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Explanation

EXPLANA'TION

,
Noun.
[L. explanatio.] The act of explaining, expounding or interpreting; exposition; illustration; interpretation; the act of clearing from obscurity and making intelligible; as the explanation of a passage in scripture, or of a contract or treaty.
1.
The sense given by an expounder or interpreter.
2.
A mutual exposition of terms, meaning or motives, with a view to adjust a misunderstanding and reconcile differences. Hence, reconciliation, agreement or good understanding of parties who have been at variance. The parties have come to an explanation.

Definition 2024


explanation

explanation

English

Noun

explanation (plural explanations)

  1. The act or process of explaining.
    The explanation was long and drawn-out.
  2. Something that explains, makes understandable.
    An explanation for each UFO sighting was easily found.
  3. (euphemistic) An excuse, apologetic justification not based on enough evidence.
    Hoover supporters' "explanations" and former status rarely save him from modern ridicule as a useless expense.

Synonyms

Related terms

Translations

External links

  • explanation in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • explanation in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911