explanation
gb/ˌɛksplənˈeɪʃən/ us/ˌɛksplənˈeɪʃən/
A2
English
~ 1600
magyarázat, indoklás
NOUN
A2
1
magyarázat
A2
Usage pattern:
give [someone] an explanation of [something]
The teacher gave a clear explanation of the new rules.
A tanár világos magyarázatot adott az új szabályokhoz.
His explanation helped me understand the process.
A magyarázata segített megértenem a folyamatot.
She asked for an explanation about the delay.
The police demanded an explanation for his actions.
Learner examples
I need an explanation of this word.
Szükségem van ennek a szónak a magyarázatára.
The teacher gave an explanation of the game.
A tanár magyarázatot adott a játékhoz.
Can you give me an explanation?
He gave a short explanation.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'explanation' with 'excuse'. An explanation gives information to help someone understand, while an excuse is often a reason for doing something wrong or failing to do something.
Meaning
a statement that clarifies something
Collocations
clear explanation
|give an explanation
|detailed explanation
|brief explanation
|seek an explanation
Synonyms
clarification (Emphasizes the act of making something less confusing.)
|
description (Focuses more on telling what something is like, not always on making it clearer.)
Antonyms
confusion (The state of not understanding; the opposite of clarity.)
Themes
communication
|education
|daily life
Definition
Words that help you understand something better.
A spoken or written statement that describes something in a way that makes it easier to understand.
NOUN
B1
2
magyarázat
A2
indoklás
B2
Usage pattern:
give [someone] an explanation for [something]
He gave no explanation for his absence.
Nem adott magyarázatot a távollétére.
There is a simple explanation for this mistake.
Ennek a hibának egyszerű magyarázata van.
The manager demanded an explanation for the missing money.
Learner examples
I want an explanation for your late arrival.
Magyarázatot várok arra, hogy miért érkeztél későn.
She gave an explanation for her choice.
Magyarázatot adott arra, miért ezt választotta.
He had no explanation for the noise.
Common mistake:
Learners may use 'because' directly instead of forming a noun phrase with 'explanation'. For example, 'I want because you were late' is incorrect; it should be 'I want an explanation for why you were late'.
Meaning
a reason for an action or event
Collocations
reasonable explanation
|offer an explanation
|demand an explanation
Synonyms
justification (A reason meant to defend or support an action.)
|
reason (A general term for why something happened, not always given formally.)
Antonyms
mystery (Something without a known reason or cause.)
Themes
communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A reason you give for why something happened.
A reason provided to justify why something happened or was done.
Grammar
Dictionary form
explanation
IPA
GB/ˌɛksplənˈeɪʃən/
US/ˌɛksplənˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
ex - plan - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: explanation
- Plural: explanation, explanations
Word family
Forms
explanations
noun
Core family
explain
verb A2
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unexplainable
adjective
Advanced or less common
Expressions
by way of explanation
1/bˈaɪ wˈeɪ əv ˌɛksplənˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
used to introduce clarification
Used before giving more information to help someone understand what you mean.
Examples
- By way of explanation, let me tell you what happened yesterday.
- She offered, by way of explanation, that she had been ill.
owe someone an explanation
1/ˈoʊ sˈʌmwˌʌn ən ˌɛksplənˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
be required to give a reason
To have a duty to tell someone the reason for something you did.
Examples
- You owe me an explanation for disappearing last night.
- He owes his team an explanation about the decision.