What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
explicative
Example
The teacher provided an explicative lecture on the causes of climate change. [explicative: adjective]
Example
The critic wrote an explicative essay on the symbolism in the novel. [explicative: adjective]
explanatory
Example
The manual included explanatory diagrams to help users assemble the furniture. [explanatory: adjective]
Example
The professor gave an explanatory lecture on the principles of physics. [explanatory: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Explanatory is more commonly used than explicative in everyday language. Explanatory is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while explicative is less common and often associated with academic or critical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between explicative and explanatory?
Explicative is typically associated with a more formal or academic tone, while explanatory is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
