Elucidate
verb /ɪˈluː.sɪ.deɪt/ — To make something clear by explaining it
Definition
To make something that is obscure or confusing clear and understandable — to shed light on complexity through careful explanation.
Beyond the definition
The intellectual act of generosity. To elucidate is to decide that understanding matters more than being the only one who understands.
Origin & history
From Latin 'elucidare' — 'e' (out) + 'lucidus' (clear, bright, from 'lux', light). To bring out into the light.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She asked him to elucidate: the sentence was grammatically perfect and completely opaque.
Good teaching is the willingness to elucidate without condescension.
The footnote elucidated the reference that had been puzzling readers for three hundred years.
How to use it
This entry uses a verb. Follow the examples for tense and any objects or prepositions it needs.
Choose “Elucidate” when the meaning fits your context: To make something that is obscure or confusing clear and understandable — to shed light on complexity through careful explanation.
Synonyms
clarify, explain, illuminate, expound, explicate
Antonyms
obscure, obfuscate, confuse, mystify
Related words
Questions about this word
What does "Elucidate" mean?
Elucidate is verb meaning: To make something clear by explaining it. To make something that is obscure or confusing clear and understandable — to shed light on complexity through careful explanation.
Where does the word "Elucidate" come from?
From Latin 'elucidare' — 'e' (out) + 'lucidus' (clear, bright, from 'lux', light). To bring out into the light.