explanation
gb/ˌɛksplənˈeɪʃən/ us/ˌɛksplənˈeɪʃən/
A2
English
~ 1600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
a statement that clarifies something
Words that help you understand something better.
Usage pattern:
give [someone] an explanation of [something]
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.
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.)
Collocations
clear explanation
|give an explanation
|detailed explanation
|brief explanation
|seek an explanation
Themes
communication
|education
|daily life
Examples
- The teacher gave a clear explanation of the new rules.
- His explanation helped me understand the process.
- 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.
- The teacher gave an explanation of the game.
- Can you give me an explanation?
- He gave a short explanation.
Noun
B1
entity
2
a reason for an action or event
A reason you give for why something happened.
Usage pattern:
give [someone] an explanation for [something]
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'.
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.)
Collocations
reasonable explanation
|offer an explanation
|demand an explanation
Themes
communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- He gave no explanation for his absence.
- There is a simple explanation for this mistake.
- The manager demanded an explanation for the missing money.
Learner examples
- I want an explanation for your late arrival.
- She gave an explanation for her choice.
- He had no explanation for the noise.
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.