elucidate
verb
elu·ci·date
i-ˈlü-sə-ˌdāt 
elucidated; elucidating
: to make lucid especially by explanation or analysis
elucidate a text
: to give a clarifying explanation
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Elucidate comes from the Latin term lucidus, which means "lucid." Lucidus, in turn, comes from the verb lucēre, meaning "to shine." So elucidating can be thought of as the figurative equivalent of shining a light on something to make it easier to see.
Synonyms
Examples of elucidate in a Sentence
When asked for details, he declined to elucidate further.
colored charts that really help to elucidate the points made in the text
Recent Examples on the Web
This episode, from stem to stern, really elucidates the problem with idols in the new era.
—
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024
Indeed, text is integral to Bader’s oeuvre, whether elucidating, in the artist’s own unique fashion, the proper constitution of his objects and assemblages, or simply existing as stand-alone artworks unto themselves.
—Jeff Gibson, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024
Israel has sunk ever deeper into the Gaza quagmire, neglecting to elucidate the regional and global contexts of the conflict.
—Ari Shavit, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2024
This experimental project leverages BCG's extensive intellectual property and knowledge base, enabling GENE to engage users, answer questions, and elucidate complex concepts by drawing from BCG's vast repository of research and expertise.
—Craig S. Smith, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
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Brian Moylan, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2024
Indeed, text is integral to Bader’s oeuvre, whether elucidating, in the artist’s own unique fashion, the proper constitution of his objects and assemblages, or simply existing as stand-alone artworks unto themselves.
—Jeff Gibson, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2024
Israel has sunk ever deeper into the Gaza quagmire, neglecting to elucidate the regional and global contexts of the conflict.
—Ari Shavit, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2024
This experimental project leverages BCG's extensive intellectual property and knowledge base, enabling GENE to engage users, answer questions, and elucidate complex concepts by drawing from BCG's vast repository of research and expertise.
—Craig S. Smith, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for elucidate
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Cite this Entry
“Elucidate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elucidate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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elucidate
verb
elu·ci·date
i-ˈlü-sə-ˌdāt
elucidated; elucidating
: to make clear or plain : explain
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