Definition

Adjective: needing no explanation; clear and understandable by itself.

Usage

The adjective "self-explanatory" is used to describe something (like a word, a diagram, an instruction, or a fact) that is so clear and obvious that it does not require any further explanation or clarification. It is typically placed before a noun or used after a linking verb like "is" or "seems."

Examples

• The diagram is self-explanatory; anyone can follow it.
• The title of the book is self-explanatory: .
• I hope my instructions were self-explanatory.
• The cause of the error was self-explanatory once we saw the broken wire.

Advanced Usage

• Used to imply simplicity or clarity: Often used to emphasize that something is intentionally designed to be easily understood without guidance.
  • The user interface is meant to be completely self-explanatory.
• Used rhetorically: Sometimes used to suggest that a point is so obvious it shouldn't need to be stated.
  • The benefits of regular exercise are self-explanatory.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-explanatorily (adverb, rare): In a self-explanatory manner.
  • The chart is laid out self-explanatorily.

Synonyms

• Clear
• Obvious
• Evident
• Straightforward
• Unambiguous
• Intelligible

Antonyms

• Confusing
• Ambiguous
• Unclear
• Puzzling
• Cryptic
• Incomprehensible

Idioms and Common Phrases

• Speaks for itself: A common phrase with a very similar meaning to "self-explanatory," used to indicate that something is obvious from the evidence or facts presented.
  • The data speaks for itself; our new strategy is working. (This is similar to saying "The data is self-explanatory.")

Adjective

1. needing no explanation