Definition

Noun 1. A detailed and methodical explanation of the meaning of something, especially a literary or philosophical text. It involves a thorough analysis and interpretation to reveal the layers of meaning. 2. The act of making something clear or removing obscurity from the meaning of a word, symbol, or expression.

Usage

Explication is a formal term used primarily in academic, literary, and philosophical contexts. It refers to the process and result of carefully unpacking and interpreting complex ideas or texts. * The professor provided a thorough explication of the poem's symbolism. * The book is an explication of the author's core philosophical arguments. * The process requires careful explication of the key terms used in the treaty.

Advanced Usage

• "Close explication": Refers to a very detailed, line-by-line analysis of a text.
  • The seminar focused on the close explication of a single sonnet.
• "To offer an explication": To provide a detailed explanation.
  • The critic offered a compelling explication of the film's ending.

Variants and Related Words

• Explicate (verb): To analyze and develop (an idea or principle) in detail; to give a detailed explanation.
  • The philosopher sought to explicate the concept of justice.
• Explicatory (adjective): Serving to explain; explanatory.
  • The footnotes provide explicatory comments on the historical context.

Synonyms

• Explanation: A statement that makes something clear.
• Interpretation: The action of explaining the meaning of something.
• Analysis: Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.
• Elucidation: Explanation that makes something clear; clarification.

Antonyms

• Obfuscation: The action of making something obscure, unclear, or unintelligible.
• Complication: A circumstance that makes something more difficult or complex.

Noun

1. a detailed explanation of the meaning of something
2. the act of making clear or removing obscurity from the meaning of a word or symbol or expression etc.