What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
explicable
Example
The cause of the problem is explicable if you look at the data. [explicable: adjective]
Example
The teacher made the difficult topic explicable by using real-life examples. [explicable: adjective]
understandable
Example
It's understandable that you're upset after what happened. [understandable: adjective]
Example
The instructions were clear and understandable, even for beginners. [understandable: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Understandable is more commonly used than explicable in everyday language. Understandable is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while explicable is less common and often used in academic or technical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between explicable and understandable?
Explicable is more formal than understandable and is often used in academic or technical contexts. Understandable is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.