explanative

adjective

ex·​plan·​a·​tive ik-ˈspla-nə-tiv How to pronounce explanative (audio)
explanatively adverb

Examples of explanative in a Sentence

an edition of Melville's novel that could use more explanative footnotes about whaling

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of explanative was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near explanative

Cite this Entry

“Explanative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explanative. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!