Words / C2

i-LOOS-id-ayt/ɪˈluːsɪdeɪt/

To elucidate is to make something clear by explaining it, often a difficult point. Academic writers choose it instead of explain when the aim is to throw light on a knotty passage. In speech say explain or clarify; elucidate can sound as if you are giving a lecture.

Meaning

To make something clear by explaining it.

Examples

• “The footnote elucidates a difficult term.”
• “The preface elucidates the author’s method.”
• “Could you elucidate what “material” means here?”

Good to know

Formal: throw light on. Everyday: explain / clarify.

Near in meaning

clarify

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