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elucidate

v.
C1 Advanced US //ɪˈɫusəˌdeɪt// UK //ɪlˈuːsɪdˌeɪt// elu·ci·date Archaic

v. to explain something clearly so that it is easy to understand. You use this when you want to make a complicated idea or text simple for others.

v. to make something clear or explain something fully. Often used in academic or formal contexts to describe the clarification of complex theories or texts.


SIMPLE

The professor will elucidate the main points of the theory.

CONTEXTUAL

The researcher spent months collecting data to help elucidate the cause of the rare disease.

COMPLEX

While the initial report was dense with technical jargon, the follow-up document served to elucidate the findings for a broader audience of policymakers and educators.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Late Latin ēlūcidātus, perfect passive participle of ēlūcidō (“to lighten, enlighten”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from ē(x)- (“out, from”) + lūcidus (“bright, clear, understandable”) + -ō (first conjugation verb-forming suffix), literally “to make light of (something)”, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *lewk- (“bright; to see; to shine”). Compare French élucider.

Etymology 2

From Late Latin ēlūcidātus (“lightened, enlightened”), see Etymology 1 and -ate (adjective-forming suffix) for more.

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