elucidate
Say it: ih-LOO-sih-dayt /ɪˈlusɪdeɪt/ · verb
What “elucidate” means
Make something clear by explaining it.
More precisely: To make something clear by explaining it.
Example: “Could you elucidate how the new pricing affects existing customers?”
When to use it
When asking for or giving an explanation that clears up confusion; it sounds formal, especially in ordinary conversation.
Similar words
clarify, explain, illuminate
Where it comes from
From Latin lucidus, "clear, bright."
Quick check
Your tutor explains a confusing fraction problem step by step until you understand it. What does she do?
elucidate or complicate?
Show the answer
elucidate
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “elucidate”