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explanatory

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ɪksˈpɫænəˌtɔɹi// UK //ɛksplˈænətəɹˌi// ex·plana·to·ry

adj. serving to explain something or make it easier to understand. You use this to describe notes or details that give more information about a topic.

adj. serving to explain or clarify a subject or situation. Often used to describe supplementary material that provides context or reasoning.


SIMPLE

The book includes several explanatory notes at the end.

CONTEXTUAL

The museum guide provided explanatory text next to each painting to help visitors understand the historical context.

COMPLEX

While the raw data was impressive, the researchers included an explanatory preface to ensure that non-specialists could interpret the findings without misconstruing the underlying variables.

Origin

From Late Latin explānātōrius, from Latin explānāt-, past-participle stem of explānāre (“to explain”). Displaced Old English ġereclīċ.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; often pairs with nouns like 'notes', 'text', or 'remarks'.

Pitfall

an explainatory notean explanatory noteLearners often incorrectly add an 'i' to the spelling, influenced by the spelling of the verb 'explain'.

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