explanatory - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
explanatory Word Meanings
- serving to explain something
- providing information
- clarifying details
explanatory Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
explanatory Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪkˈsplænətəri/
US
/ɪkˈsplænəˌtɔri/
explanatory Word Etymology
(a) Decomposed as: ex- (out) + planare (to make flat) + -ory (related to). (b) Origin: Latin 'explanare' → Old French 'explanatoire' → English 'explanatory'. (c) Imagine straightening out a crumpled paper; that's the act of explanation, making things clear and flat!
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Explanatory is an adjective used for things that explain, clarify, or provide information about something. It often appears in contexts like explanatory notes, explanatory diagrams, or an explanatory essay, where the goal is to illuminate a topic rather than argue a point. The nuance is formal and instructional, implying an active effort to make ideas clearer. In everyday English you might describe a speaker as having an explanatory style if they focus on simplifying complex ideas. Note that explanatory is not the same as informative in the sense of simply presenting facts; it implies an intentional act of shedding light on a subject.
Usage Reminders
- 1. Reserve explanatory for formal or technical contexts
- 2. Pair with nouns like notes, diagrams, or diagrams
- 3. Don’t use it if you only describe something, use descriptive or informative instead
- 4. Check that the subject genuinely needs clarification
- 5. Avoid overusing it in casual writing
Common Misconceptions
- Explanatory and informative are the same
- It can replace descriptive in all contexts
- Explanatory means giving opinions, not explanations
- It should always be followed by long, technical nouns
- If you explain once, you must use explanatory every time
Thinking Differences
English tends to reserve explanatory for formal or technical contexts; learners often overuse it in casual writing or confuse it with descriptive terms.
Learning Tips
- Learn the main collocations: explanatory notes, explanatory diagram, explanatory video
- Compare with descriptive and informative to notice nuance
- Practice replacing in sentences to check tone
- Use in formal writing to describe tools that clarify concepts
- Watch for context: manuals, guides, or academic texts
- Record yourself explaining a concept to feel the explanatory emphasis
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'explanatory'?
A.Causing confusion
B.Providing an explanation
C.Making something difficult to understand
D.Being uninformative
Step 2: Usage
Select the correct usage of the word 'explanatory' in a sentence:
A.The weather was very explanatory today.
B.His explanatory tone was quite rude.
C.She handed in an explanatory document about her research.
D.I am feeling explanatory about the news.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'explanatory'?
A.Vague
B.Descriptive
C.Ambiguous
D.Confusing
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'explanatory'?
A.Clear
B.Obscure
C.Informative
D.Detailed
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where clarity is needed?
A.The instructions for the assembly were not clear enough for the users.
B.Her response seemed a bit ambiguous to the team.
C.His presentation included an explanatory diagram to assist the audience.
D.They enjoyed sharing their thoughts on the topic.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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