explicate

[ ek-spli-keyt ]

verb (used with object)

, ex·pli·cat·ed, ex·pli·cat·ing.

1. to make plain or clear; explain; interpret.
2. to develop (a principle, theory, etc.).

explicate

/ ɪkˈsplɪkətərɪ; -trɪ; ɪkˈsplɪkətɪv; ˈɛksplɪˌkeɪt /

verb

1. to make clear or explicit; explain
2. to formulate or develop (a theory, hypothesis, etc)

Derived Forms

• explicative, adjective
• ˈexpliˌcator, noun

Other Words From

• expli·cator noun
• re·expli·cate verb (used with object) reexplicated reexplicating
• un·expli·cated adjective
• well-expli·cated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of explicate¹

1525–35; < Latin explicātus unfolded, set forth, past participle of explicāre, equivalent to ex- ex- ¹ + plicāre to fold; -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of explicate¹

C16: from Latin explicāre to unfold, from plicāre to fold

Example Sentences

Each of the songs explicates a place and time of an incident or an idea in the lives of the protagonists.

From Los Angeles Times

The attorney continued by likening the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection to the "culmination of a certification dispute," before explicating the domino effect theory of the GOP's efforts to hinder the democratic electoral process.

From Salon

We chronicle, explicate, elucidate and constantly “re-adjudicate” historical events and personages.

From Salon

ABC took that step after Rasmussen failed to respond suitably to a questionnaire 538 submitted asking Rasmussen to explicate its polling methodology.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s never fully explicated in the screenplay, but Max’s mental health issues and possibly undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder are frequently alluded to, thrumming below the surface.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amplify
• elucidate
• expound
• untangle