Explain vs. Explicitate: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
Explain means to make clear or understandable. Explicitate involves making something more detailed or explicit.
Difference Between Explain and Explicitate
"Explain" and "explicitate" are two English words that both revolve around the concept of clarity, but they have their distinct applications and connotations. Explain, a more commonly used term, refers to the act of making something clear or understandable, especially something that's complex or ambiguous. On the other hand, explicitate is a more specialized word and tends to be more formal. It emphasizes the act of making something explicit or detailed.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
When someone asks you to explain a concept, they are often seeking clarity or understanding about a topic. This request can range from clarifying a single statement to unraveling a complicated idea. Explicitate, in contrast, typically implies a desire to elaborate on a particular point. When one seeks to explicitate, they are looking to delve deeper, adding more detail or specific information to what might already be a known or understood concept.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
In a classroom setting, a teacher might explain a new theorem to students to give them a general understanding. Should a student ask for further details about a specific aspect of that theorem, the teacher might then explicitate, providing a more in-depth or refined perspective. Here, the difference between the two words becomes apparent; while both are geared towards clarity, their approach and depth vary.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Another distinction lies in their frequency of use. "Explain" is far more prevalent in everyday language, encompassing a broad range of clarifications. "Explicitate" is less common, typically reserved for academic, formal, or specialized contexts where a more nuanced or specific clarification is necessary.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Explain vs. Explicitate Comparison Chart
Application
Broad, from simple statements to complex ideas.
Often for elaborating on an already understood concept.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
Contextual Frequency
Highly prevalent in everyday speech and writing.
Less common, often in academic or formal contexts.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
Explain vs. Explicitate Definitions
◉Explain
To provide a justification or defense for an action or statement.
He had to explain his tardiness to the boss.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
◉Explicitate
To draw out in detail; elaborate.
The speaker explicitated her thesis throughout the lecture.
William
Sep 26, 2023
◉Explain
To make something clear to someone.
Can you explain this math problem to me?
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Explicitate
To provide more thorough information or specifics.
The manual explicitates the functions of each button.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Explicitate
To make explicit; clarify in detail.
He sought to explicitate the nuances of the argument.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Explain
To describe the operation or workings of something.
She explained the rules of the game.
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
◉Explicitate
To expand on a given or understood point.
The professor explicitated the subtext of the poem.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Explicitate
To express in more clear or direct terms.
It's important to explicitate your intentions.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Explain
To offer reasons for the actions, beliefs, or remarks of (oneself).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Explain
To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.
She is about to explain a chapter of the Bible to the Sunday School students.
She tried to explain but he wouldn’t listen.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Explain
To flatten; to spread out; to unfold; to expand.
The horse-chestnut is . . . ready to explain its leaf.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Explain
To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to expound; to unfold and illustrate the meaning of; as, to explain a chapter of the Bible.
Commentators to explain the difficult passages to you.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Explain
make palin and comprehensible;
He explained the laws of physics to his students
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Explain
define;
The committe explained their plan for fund-raising to the Dean
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Explain
serve as a reason or cause or justification of;
Your need to sleep late does not excuse your late arrival at work
Her recent divorce amy explain her reluctance to date again
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Explain
To offer reasons for a situation or action.
He couldn't explain his sudden departure.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Explain vs. Explicitate Frequently Asked Questions
Is explain a commonly used word?
Yes, explain is a commonly used word in everyday language.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
What does explicitate primarily focus on?
Explicitate primarily focuses on making something more detailed or explicit.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Can I use explain and explicitate interchangeably?
While they both deal with clarity, they're not always interchangeable. "Explain" is broad, while "explicitate" is more about detailed elaboration.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Are there any specific contexts where explicitate is more apt?
Yes, explicitate is often more apt in academic, formal, or specialized contexts.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Would it be correct to say "Please explicitate your explanation"?
Yes, this would mean you're asking someone to provide more detailed specifics on their explanation.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
When I'm giving a general overview, should I use explain or explicitate?
For a general overview, "explain" would be the more appropriate choice.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Does explicitate derive from the word "explicit"?
Yes, explicitate is derived from the word "explicit," which means clear or detailed.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Which word is more prevalent in academic writings?
While both can appear, "explicitate" might be more prevalent due to its emphasis on detailed elaboration.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
In simple terms, what's the key difference between the two?
Explain is about making something clear or understandable, while explicitate is about detailing or making something explicit.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
If I want a detailed breakdown, should I ask someone to explain or explicitate?
If you're seeking a more detailed or nuanced breakdown, it would be apt to ask them to explicitate.
Elijah
Sep 26, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
