Explanatory is spelled with three syllables, /ɪkˈsplænəˌtɔri/. The initial "ex" is pronounced as "ik" and the "a" in the third syllable sounds like "uh". The "tory" at the end is pronounced as "tor-ee". The word means serving to explain or provide additional information. Its usage can be found in various forms of writing such as academic papers, reports, or news articles. Proper spelling and pronunciation of explanatory can enhance clarity and convey professionalism in communication.
Explanatory is an adjective that refers to something that serves to explain or clarify a concept, phenomenon, or statement. It describes something that provides insight, understanding, or further information about the subject at hand.
In the context of written or verbal communication, an explanatory text or speech aims to make complex or unfamiliar ideas more accessible. It presents information or ideas in a clear, organized, and understandable manner, often using examples, illustrations, or logical arguments to enhance the understanding of the audience. An explanatory document may fully dissect and analyze a subject, breaking it down into its constituent parts, and offering detailed explanations or accounts of its various aspects.
Similarly, in scientific, academic, or research settings, an explanatory study or research paper is one that investigates the causes, reasons, or underlying mechanisms of a particular phenomenon. It seeks to provide insight and understanding by examining relationships, gathering evidence, or constructing theories, often aiming to answer the question "why" or "how" a phenomenon occurs.
Overall, the term explanatory reflects the core purpose of providing clear, cogent, and comprehensive explanations or clarifications that enhance understanding and shed light on a subject. It signifies a desire to elucidate, inform, or make something comprehensible, whether through textual, verbal, or scientific means.
Serving to explain; containing an explanation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word explanatory comes from the Latin word explanare, which means to make plain or clear. It is derived from the combination of ex, meaning out, and planus, meaning flat or plain. Over time, explanare evolved into the Old French word explaner (to explain), and later, the Middle English word esplanen and explain in Modern English. The suffix -tory is derived from the Latin suffix -torius, which indicates pertaining to or full of. Thus, explanatory literally means pertaining to making something plain or clear.