WordGarden.io
Back to search

explanation

A2
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɛksplənˈeɪʃən/

US

  • /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/

Description

An explanation is like shining a light on something confusing. If your friend asks why the sky is blue, you might give a clear answer about sunlight and how it scatters in the atmosphere. It is about making things clear, whether it is a scientific idea, a strange behavior, or a complicated rule. A good explanation does not just tell you something; it helps you understand why it is the way it is. You might need an explanation from a doctor after a medical diagnosis, or offer one to your boss when a project goes off track.

Examples

  1. 1

    App instructions

    She gave a clear explanation of how the app works.

  2. 2

    Asking why

    I asked for an explanation, but nobody would tell me what happened.

    • Pattern

      ask for an explanation

      ask someone to explain their actions or a situation

  3. 3

    Error reason

    Is there a simple explanation for this error message?

    • Pattern

      explanation for + problem/event

      the reason for it

  4. 4

    Sudden departure

    He never gave any explanation for leaving so suddenly.

  5. 5

    Teaching

    The teacher's explanation made the homework much less confusing.

  6. 6

    Personal conflict

    You owe me an explanation for what you said last night.

    • Pattern

      owe someone an explanation

      should explain because your action affected them

  7. 7

    Conflicting reasons

    We heard several explanations, but none of them matched the facts.

  8. 8

    Scientific cause

    Scientists still do not have a full explanation of why the disease spreads so quickly.

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • explanationnoun

Forms

  • explanationspluralnoun