4 syllables: ex, pla, na, tion. Stress on na.
/ˌɛkˌspləˈneɪʃən/
Say it backAn explanation is a clear, organized account that makes something understandable. It breaks down ideas, reasons, or processes into simpler, logical parts, often with examples. The purpose is to illuminate a topic so others can grasp it without confusion, typically accompanied by evidence or justification.
"The teacher gave a detailed explanation of the scientific concept."
"Before we proceed, please provide an explanation for your answer."
"Her explanation clarified why the project was delayed."
Pronounce it as /ˌɛkˌspləˈneɪʃn/ (US) or /ˌɛkˌsplɒˈneɪʃən/ (UK). Break it into ex-pla-NA-tion, with primary stress on the penultimate syllable -NEI- in most dialects and secondary stress on the first syllable. Start with /ɛk/ as in “etch,” then /splə/ with a reduced schwa, then /neɪ/ like “nate,” and end with /ʃn/ or /ən/ depending on accent. A quick tip: keep the /spl/ cluster crisp and avoid inserting extra vowels between /k/ and /s/. Audio reference: listen for the stress shift before the -na- syllable in natural speech.
Common mistakes: misplacing the primary stress, saying ex-pla-NA-tion with incorrect stress; weakening or over-pronouncing the /l/ in /spl/ causing /ɛk-splə-ney-shn/. Another error is turning the final -tion into /tɪən/ or /ʃən/ with improper vowel quality. Correction: emphasize the -neɪ- syllable with clear /neɪ/ and keep the final /ʃn/ or /ən/ crisp. Practice the sequence ex-pla- with a light /ˌ/ before the main stress.
In US, the word tends to have a lighter /ə/ before the final -tion, with /ˌneɪʃn/. UK often shows a slightly more open /ɒ/ in the /ɒː/ region and may reduce to /ˈneɪʃən/ in rapid speech. Australian tends to be rhoticless with a similar /ˌɛkˌspləˈneɪʃən/ but with broader vowel qualities, especially in /æ/ vs /ə/. The main difference is the exact vowel quality and rhoticity; all share the stress pattern: secondary on ex- and main on -na- in many contexts.
Three phonetic challenges: the /ˌɛk/ onset cluster, the /spl/ blend fast after a vowel, and the final /ʃən/ or /ən/ depending on accent. The /spl/ requires a precise tongue position: tip behind upper teeth for /s/, blade of the tongue for the /ɹ/ blend, and a quick release into /pl/. The ending can be tricky due to vowel reduction and the /ʃ/ plus /n/ sequence being quick in casual speech. Practice the sequence slowly, then speed up.
No silent letters in 'explanation'; every letter contributes to the sound. The tricky parts are the unstressed vowels and the consonant cluster /spl/ followed by /neɪʃn/. Ensure the /ɪ/ in the second syllable is reduced, not fully articulated, and that the /t/ or /ʃ/ sound is not absorbed. Pronounce each segment clearly: ex-/ˈɛk, -pla-/splə, -na-/neɪ, -tion/ʃn or -ən.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "explanation"!
Explanation comes from the late Latin explicatio, from explicare meaning to unfold or explain. Explicare itself is from ex- ‘out’ + plicare ‘to fold, to fold out’ or ‘to explain by unfolding’ (early Latin. The term entered English via medieval Latin as explicatio and French explication, maintaining the sense of unfolding a matter into light. Over time, explanation specialized to denote a reasoned account or justification that clarifies a phenomenon or event. The word has been used in scholarly and instructional contexts since the 15th century, evolving alongside related terms such as explication and explicate. In modern usage, explanation often implies a step-by-step rationale, sometimes with empirical support or demonstrations, to ensure the audience can follow the logic and reach the same conclusion. The semantic shift also includes a broader usage in everyday language where explanations accompany instructions, justifications, or problem-solving discussions. First known use in English dates to the 1500s, with the sense of
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "explanation" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "explanation" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "explanation" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "explanation"
-ion sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
