elucidate
/i'lu:sideit/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To make something clear or easy to understand by explaining it in detail: The core meaning of "elucidate" is to provide a clear and thorough explanation that removes confusion or ambiguity.
- To shed light on a complex or obscure subject: It implies illuminating a topic, making it comprehensible, often by providing additional information or analysis.
Usage and Examples
- Verb:
- The professor used diagrams to elucidate the complex theory. (The professor used diagrams to make the complex theory clear.)
- Could you elucidate your point? I'm not sure I understand. (Could you explain your point clearly? I'm not sure I understand.)
- The documentary aims to elucidate the causes of the historical conflict. (The documentary aims to clarify the causes of the historical conflict.)
Advanced Usage
- "to elucidate on/upon something": To provide a detailed explanation about a specific topic. (Note: This construction is less common than the direct transitive use.)
- The speaker was asked to elucidate upon the key findings of the report.
- Used in formal, academic, or professional contexts where precise explanation is required.
Variants and Related Words
- Elucidation (noun): The act of explaining or making something clear.
- His elucidation of the process was very helpful.
- Elucidative (adjective): Serving to explain; explanatory.
- The elucidative notes in the textbook are useful.
- Elucidator (noun): A person or thing that elucidates.
Synonyms
- Clarify: To make a statement or situation less confused and more comprehensible.
- Explain: To make an idea, situation, or problem clear by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts.
- Illuminate: To clarify or explain (a subject), often by providing intellectual or spiritual insight.
- Explicate: To analyze and develop (an idea or principle) in detail.
Antonyms
- Obfuscate: To make something obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
- Confuse: To make someone unable to think clearly or understand something.
- Complicate: To make something more difficult or complex.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "To shed light on": This is a common phrase with a very similar meaning to "elucidate."
- The new evidence shed light on the mystery. (The new evidence helped explain the mystery.)
- "To clear up": To explain something so that it is no longer confusing.
- Let me clear up any misunderstandings about the policy.
Verb
- make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear
- Could you clarify these remarks?
- Clear up the question of who is at fault
- make clear and (more) comprehensible
- clarify the mystery surrounding her death