Words / B2

ik-SPLAN-uh-tree/ɪkˈsplænətri/

Explanatory means giving a reason or making something clearer: explanatory notes; an explanatory leaflet. Explain is the verb (already in the dictionary); illustrative is a close twin; interpretative adds a reading. An explanatory note still needs the named variable. Mix-up: explanatory vs exploratory (this batch); extraordinary; do not write explanatory for a slogan that restates the title with no reason.

Meaning

Giving a reason or making something clearer (explanatory notes).

Examples

• “An explanatory note still needs the named variable, the methods brief said.”
• “An explanatory diagram featured in the textbook extract, which is the teaching sense — still name the process it shows.”

Good to know

explanatory notes / leaflet / diagram. Verb: explain (already in A2). Close: illustrative. Trap: exploratory (this batch). Science, English, and citizenship. Giving a reason — name the variable or the process.

Near in meaning

illustrative, clarifying, interpretative

New