Is 'elucidate' formal or informal?

What is the difference between 'elucidate' and 'explain'?

Can 'elucidate' be used in IELTS writing?

What is a common phrase with 'elucidate'?

← Dictionary

elucidate

/ɪˈluːsɪdeɪt/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To make something clear or easy to understand by explaining it in more detail.

The report elucidates the main causes of the conflict.
She tried to elucidate the process step by step.
This chart helps elucidate the data.

Adinary Nuance

Near-neighbors: 'elucidate' is stronger than 'explain' and suits academic or technical contexts. It differs from 'clarify' (gentle, removing confusion) and 'simplify' (making easy). Use 'elucidate' when a thorough, detailed explanation is expected.

In other languages

Spanish: Explicar con detalle
Japanese: 詳しく説明する
Korean: 상세히 설명하다
Vietnamese: Làm rõ sắc nét
Chinese: 详细解释

Etymology

Common phrases

elucidate the causeselucidate the processneed to elucidatehelps to elucidate

Synonyms

clarify explain illustrate interpret

Frequently asked questions

Is 'elucidate' formal or informal?: Is 'elucidate' formal or informal?
What is the difference between 'elucidate' and 'explain'?: What is the difference between 'elucidate' and 'explain'?
Can 'elucidate' be used in IELTS writing?: Can 'elucidate' be used in IELTS writing?
What is a common phrase with 'elucidate'?: What is a common phrase with 'elucidate'?