What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
elucidate
Example
Can you elucidate your argument so that I can understand it better? [elucidate: verb]
Example
The professor's lecture was very helpful in elucidating the difficult topic. [elucidating: gerund or present participle]
explicate
Example
The literary critic sought to explicate the meaning behind the author's use of symbolism. [explicate: verb]
Example
The teacher asked the students to explicate the poem line by line. [explicate: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Elucidate is more commonly used than explicate in everyday language. Elucidate is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while explicate is more commonly used in academic or professional settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between elucidate and explicate?
Explicate is more formal and technical than elucidate. It is typically used in academic or professional settings where a more precise and technical language is required, while elucidate can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
