Elucidate

ɪˈluːsɪdeɪt

verbmediumCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

To make something clear; to explain.

ɪˈluːsɪdeɪt

verbneutralmedium
General

To make something clear or explain it thoroughly.

The teacher elucidated the concept of photosynthesis.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're explaining a game to a friend, and you make sure they completely understand the rules. Elucidate is like that! It means to explain something so it becomes crystal clear.

👶 For kids: To explain something so that it is easy to understand.

More Examples

2

Could you elucidate your reasoning behind this decision?

3

The speaker spent an hour elucidating the details of the new policy.

How It's Used

Academic

"The professor elucidated the complex theory with several examples."

Legal

"The lawyer elucidated the terms of the contract to the client."

From Latin *ēlucidātus*, past participle of *ēlucidāre* 'to make clear', from *ē-* (ex-) + *lucidus* 'clear'.

Used since the early 17th century, originally in scientific and philosophical texts to clarify complex ideas.

Memory tip

Imagine Lucy, a bright student, making something lucid (clear) for others to understand.

elucidateelucdate

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written