explanation

Words that help someone understand how something works or why something happened.

• Thank you for the explanation.
• Her explanation helped me understand the instructions.
• Could you give us a simpler explanation?

How to use it: explanation of something (The teacher gave an explanation of the new rule.); explanation for something (He offered an explanation for his late arrival.)

Similar words: account, clarification

Common phrases: give an explanation, clear explanation, explanation of something

A reason or cause that makes a situation understandable.

• There must be an explanation.
• Heavy traffic was the explanation for the delay.
• What is the most likely explanation for these marks?

How to use it: explanation for something (A broken pipe was the explanation for the wet floor.)

Similar words: reason, cause

Common phrases: possible explanation, explanation for something, likely explanation