explanatory

[ ik-splan-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. serving to explain:

   an explanatory footnote.

explanatory

/ ɪkˈsplænətərɪ; -trɪ /

adjective

1. serving or intended to serve as an explanation

Derived Forms

• exˈplanatorily, adverb

Other Words From

• ex·plana·tori·ly ex·plana·tive·ly adverb
• nonex·plana·tive adjective
• nonex·plana·tory adjective
• preex·plana·tory adjective
• unex·plana·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of explanatory¹

From the Late Latin word explānātōrius, dating back to 1610–20. See explain, -tory ¹

Example Sentences

Rather too much time is spent repeating staged close-ups of a left hand sketching in ink or applying paint, or else executing inscrutable mirror-writing on parchment — Leonardo’s secretive signature method — coupled with explanatory voice-over.

From Los Angeles Times

The Associated Press  receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy.

From Seattle Times

The series received a Pulitzer Prize for explanatory reporting in 2019.

From New York Times

In their account of the thick conception of Darwinism, the authors rely on Darwinism as an explanatory scheme, Darwinism as logic or methodology, and Darwinism as a worldview or ideology.

From Science Daily

The Associated Press  receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• analytical
• informative
• interpretive
• supplementary