elucidate

[ ih-loo-si-deyt ]

verb (used with object)

, e·lu·ci·dat·ed, e·lu·ci·dat·ing.

1. to make lucid or clear; throw light upon; explain:

   an explanation that elucidated his recent strange behavior.

   Synonyms: illuminate, clarify

verb (used without object)

, e·lu·ci·dat·ed, e·lu·ci·dat·ing.

1. to provide clarification; explain.

   Synonyms: illustrate, clear up

elucidate

/ ɪˈluːsɪˌdeɪt /

verb

1. to make clear (something obscure or difficult); clarify

Derived Forms

• eˈluciˌdator, noun
• eˈluciˌdative, adjective
• eˌluciˈdation, noun

Other Words From

• e·lu·ci·da·tion [ih-loo-si-, dey, -sh, uh, n], noun
• e·lu·ci·da·tive adjective
• e·lu·ci·da·tor noun
• non·e·lu·ci·dat·ing adjective
• non·e·lu·ci·da·tive adjective
• un·e·lu·ci·dat·ed adjective
• un·e·lu·ci·dat·ing adjective
• un·e·lu·ci·da·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of elucidate¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Late Latin ēlūcidātus “enlightened” (past participle of ēlūcidāre ), equivalent to ē- intensive prefix + lūcid(us) “bright, shining, clear, clear to the understanding” + -ātus adjective suffix; e- ¹, lucid, -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of elucidate¹

C16: from Late Latin ēlūcidāre to enlighten; see lucid

Example Sentences

"The people coming to these rallies deserve substance about plans Trump has as a candidate, if he could elucidate on some of the threats he's made to people," Wears told ABC.

From Salon

While remote data can reveal elusive aspects of life during conflict, personal interviews and surveys can elucidate long-term — even transgenerational — impacts of war.

From Salon

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

From Salon

But despite 20 years of intensive research, scientists have been unable to fully elucidate what actually happens during the synthesis of COFs.

From Science Daily

Future research will aim to reproduce the Great Red Spot's shrinking over time to elucidate the physical mechanisms underlying the Spot's relative stability.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• clear up
• decode
• enlighten
• exemplify
• explicate
• expound
• get across
• illuminate