explicate
/ˈek.splɪ.keɪt/ IELTSAcademic
verb
To explain something clearly and in detail, especially an idea, text, or theory. It is more formal than everyday words like “explain.”
- The teacher explicated the poem line by line.
- She explicated her theory in simple terms.
- The report explicates the main causes of the problem.
Adinary Nuance
Explicate is close to explain, but it sounds more formal and careful. Writers use it when they want to show full detail, not just give a quick answer. It is also stronger than clarify, which only makes something easier to understand. In modern English, explicate is common in academic writing, but rare in casual speech.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- giải thích
- Spanish
- explicar
- Chinese
- 阐释
- Japanese
- 詳しく説明する
- Korean
- 해설하다
Etymology
From Latin explicare, meaning “to unfold” or “to explain.” It entered English through scholarly writing and is still used mostly in formal contexts.
Common phrases
explicate a textexplicate a theorycarefully explicateexplicate in detail
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is explicate formal or informal?
- It is formal and mostly used in academic writing or serious discussion.
- What is the difference between explicate and explain?
- Explicate means explain carefully and in detail. Explain is more common and more general.
- Can I use explicate in spoken English?
- You can, but it may sound stiff in everyday conversation. Most people say explain instead.
- Is explicate common in IELTS or academic writing?
- Yes. It fits academic writing well, especially when you discuss texts, ideas, or arguments.