Elucidate: Meaning, Definition, Pronunciation, Synonyms

Discover the meaning of Elucidate, its pronunciation, definitions, synonyms, antonyms, origin, grammar rules, and usage examples. Learn how to use “elucidate” effectively in writing and speech.

Elucidate

Pronunciation:
IPA: /ɪˈluː.sɪ.deɪt/ or /ɪˈluː.sə.deɪt/
Phonetic Spelling: ih-LOO-si-date

Elucidate Definitions and Meaning

1. To make something clear or easy to understand, especially by providing further explanation or details.
   Example: The professor elucidated the complex theory with simple analogies.
2. To clarify a statement or meaning through detailed explanation.
   Example: She was asked to elucidate her stance on environmental policies.
3. To shed light on a subject or make it comprehensible.
   Example: The lawyer elucidated the legal jargon for his client.

Elucidate Synonyms

• Explain
• Clarify
• Expound
• Illuminate
• Interpret
• Decipher
• Unravel
• Define

Elucidate Antonyms

• Obscure
• Confuse
• Misinterpret
• Complicate
• Mystify

Word Origin and Etymology

The word elucidate originates from the Latin elucidatus, the past participle of elucidare, meaning “to make light or clear.” This Latin root comes from lux, meaning “light.”

Etymological Breakdown:

• e- (out, from)
• lucidare (to clarify, make bright)
• lux, lucis (light)

First known usage: Late 16th century

Grammar and Usage Rules

• Part of Speech: Verb (Transitive)
• Verb Forms:
  • Base Form: Elucidate
  • Third-Person Singular: Elucidates
  • Present Participle/Gerund: Elucidating
  • Past Tense: Elucidated
  • Past Participle: Elucidated

Usages and Examples

1. In Academic Writing:
   The scientist elucidated the process of cell regeneration in his research paper.
2. In Everyday Conversations:
   Can you elucidate what you mean by “effective communication”?
3. In Legal Contexts:
   The judge requested the lawyer to elucidate the details of the contract.
4. In Literature:
   The author used footnotes to elucidate historical references in the novel.
5. In Scientific Explanations:
   The professor elucidated the principles of quantum mechanics to the students.

Related Words and Forms

• Elucidation (noun) – The act of explaining or clarifying something.
  • His elucidation of the theory was highly appreciated.
• Elucidative (adjective) – Providing clarification or explanation.
  • Her elucidative response cleared all doubts.
• Elucidator (noun) – A person who elucidates.
  • He was a brilliant elucidator of scientific concepts.

Collocations and Common Phrases

• Elucidate a concept
• Elucidate a mystery
• Elucidate the facts
• Elucidate one’s thoughts
• Elucidate a process
• Elucidate a subject

Idioms and Phrases Related to Elucidate

• “Shed light on” – To explain or clarify something.
  • The historian shed light on the ancient manuscript.
• “Clear up” – To make something understandable.
  • She cleared up the confusion regarding the new policy.

Here is the meaning and definition of Elucidate in multiple languages:

Mandarin Chinese (普通话)

• Meaning: 阐明 (chǎn míng), 解释 (jiě shì)
• Definition: 详细解释某个概念或思想，以使其更加清晰和易懂。

Arabic (العربية)

• Meaning: يوضح (yuwadiḥ), يفسر (yufassir)
• Definition: شرح شيء ما بطريقة واضحة ومفصلة لجعله أكثر فهماً.

Hindi (हिन्दी)

• Meaning: स्पष्ट करना (spasht karna), व्याख्या करना (vyakhya karna)
• Definition: किसी विषय या विचार को विस्तार से समझाने या स्पष्ट करने की प्रक्रिया।

Spanish (Español)

• Meaning: Elucidar, aclarar, explicar
• Definition: Explicar un concepto o idea con detalle para hacerlo más claro y comprensible.

Portuguese (Português)

• Meaning: Elucidar, esclarecer, explicar
• Definition: Explicar algo detalhadamente para torná-lo mais claro e compreensível.

Bengali (বাংলা)

• Meaning: ব্যাখ্যা করা (byakhya kora), পরিষ্কার করা (porishkar kora)
• Definition: কোনো বিষয় বা ধারণাকে স্পষ্ট ও সহজবোধ্য করার জন্য ব্যাখ্যা প্রদান করা।

Russian (Русский)

• Meaning: Разъяснять (raz”yasnyat’), объяснять (obyasnyat’)
• Definition: Подробное объяснение чего-либо для лучшего понимания.

Japanese (日本語)

• Meaning: 明確にする (めいかくにする, meikaku ni suru), 解明する (かいめいする, kaimei suru)
• Definition: 物事を詳しく説明して、より分かりやすくすること。

French (Français)

• Meaning: Élucider, expliquer, clarifier
• Definition: Expliquer un sujet en détail pour le rendre plus clair et compréhensible.

Odia (ଓଡ଼ିଆ)

• Meaning: ବିସ୍ତୃତ ବ୍ଯାଖ୍ୟା କରିବା (bistruta byakhya kariba), ସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ କରିବା (spashta kariba)
• Definition: ଏକ ଧାରଣା କିମ୍ବା ବିଷୟକୁ ଅଧିକ ସ୍ପଷ୍ଟ ଏବଂ ବୁଝିବା ଯୋଗ୍ଯ କରିବା ପାଇଁ ବ୍ଯାଖ୍ୟା କରିବା।

Conclusion

The verb elucidate is a powerful word used to describe the act of explaining or clarifying something in detail. Whether in academic discussions, legal cases, literature, or daily conversations, it plays an essential role in ensuring clarity and understanding. Derived from Latin roots meaning “to bring light,” it remains a valuable term for those seeking to make information comprehensible.

Did You Know? The word lucid, which means “clear or easy to understand,” shares the same root as elucidate, emphasizing the idea of light and clarity.

FAQs:

1. What does elucidate mean?
   Elucidate means to explain or clarify something in detail to make it easier to understand.
2. How do you pronounce elucidate?
   Elucidate is pronounced as /ɪˈluː.sɪ.deɪt/ or /ɪˈluː.sə.deɪt/, with emphasis on the second syllable.
3. What are synonyms of elucidate?
   Some synonyms include explain, clarify, illuminate, expound, and interpret.
4. What is the origin of elucidate?
   Elucidate comes from the Latin word “elucidare,” which means “to make light or clear.”
5. Can elucidate be used in daily conversation?
   Yes, it can be used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts to mean explaining something clearly.
6. What is the noun form of elucidate?
   The noun form is “elucidation,” meaning the act of explaining or clarifying something.
7. What is an example sentence using elucidate?
   The teacher elucidated the complex math concept with simple examples.