What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
explicate
Example
The professor asked the students to explicate the poem's meaning. [explicate: verb]
Example
Her explication of the scientific theory helped the audience understand it better. [explication: noun]
elucidate
Example
The speaker used examples to elucidate his point. [elucidate: verb]
Example
The article provided an elucidation of the new tax law. [elucidation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Elucidate is more commonly used than explicate in everyday language. Elucidate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while explicate is less common and refers to a more rigorous or analytical approach to explaining complex ideas.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between explicate and elucidate?
While explicate is typically associated with a more formal or technical tone, elucidate can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be employed in a wider range of situations.
