Explicate vs Explain: Fundamental Differences Of These Terms

Have you ever wondered about the difference between the words “explicate” and “explain”? Although they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences between them that are worth exploring.

Let’s clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use. While both “explicate” and “explain” can be used to convey meaning, “explain” is the more commonly used term. However, this does not mean that “explicate” is incorrect or obsolete. In fact, “explicate” is often used in academic or technical writing to denote a more thorough and detailed explanation.

So, what exactly do these words mean? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “explicate” means “to give a detailed explanation of” or “to develop the implications of.” On the other hand, “explain” means “to make known” or “to make clear or intelligible.”

With these definitions in mind, it becomes clear that “explicate” implies a deeper level of analysis and examination, while “explain” simply conveys a basic understanding. However, both words can be used to convey meaning depending on the context and level of detail required.

In the rest of this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and provide examples of when each one might be more appropriate to use. By the end, you will have a better understanding of how to choose between “explicate” and “explain” in your own writing.

Define Explicate

Explicate is a verb that means to analyze or explain something in great detail. It involves breaking down complex concepts or ideas into smaller, more manageable parts to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. The process of explicating often involves examining the relationships between different components of a system or theory to uncover hidden meanings or connections. This method of analysis is commonly used in academic fields such as philosophy, literature, and linguistics to gain a more nuanced understanding of complex ideas.

Define Explain

Explain is a verb that means to make something clear or understandable by providing information or describing it in a way that is easy to comprehend. Unlike explicate, which involves a detailed analysis of a subject, explaining is a more straightforward process of conveying information or ideas to someone who may not be familiar with the topic. This can involve breaking down complex concepts into simpler terms, using analogies or examples to illustrate a point, or providing step-by-step instructions to guide someone through a process. Explaining is a fundamental communication skill that is essential in many different contexts, from teaching and training to business and marketing.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence can make all the difference in conveying your message effectively. Two words that are often confused are explicate and explain. While they may seem interchangeable, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect the clarity of your writing.

How To Use Explicate In A Sentence

Explicate is a verb that means to analyze or explain something in detail. It is often used in the context of literary analysis or scientific research. Here are some examples of how to use explicate in a sentence:

• The professor asked us to explicate the meaning of the poem.
• The researcher spent months trying to explicate the complex data.
• She was able to explicate the nuances of the argument with clarity.

When using explicate, it is important to provide a thorough and detailed analysis of the subject matter, rather than just a general explanation.

How To Use Explain In A Sentence

Explain is a verb that means to make something clear or easy to understand. It is a more general term that can be used in a variety of contexts. Here are some examples of how to use explain in a sentence:

• Can you explain how to solve this math problem?
• The teacher explained the concept in a way that was easy to understand.
• I need you to explain your reasoning for this decision.

When using explain, the focus is on making something clear and understandable, rather than providing an in-depth analysis.

By understanding the subtle differences between explicate and explain, you can use these words correctly in your writing to convey your message with precision and clarity.

More Examples Of Explicate & Explain Used In Sentences

In order to further understand the difference between “explicate” and “explain,” it is helpful to see the words used in various sentences. Below are examples of how both words can be used in different contexts.

Examples Of Using Explicate In A Sentence

• The professor asked the student to explicate the poem’s underlying themes.
• She was able to explicate the complex scientific study in a way that was easy for everyone to understand.
• He spent hours trying to explicate the meaning behind the author’s cryptic message.
• The lawyer attempted to explicate the legal jargon for her client.
• The art critic was able to explicate the symbolism in the painting with great detail.
• The philosopher’s goal was to explicate his theory to the general public.
• The linguist was able to explicate the language’s grammatical structure with ease.
• The literary analyst was able to explicate the author’s use of metaphor in the novel.
• The historian was able to explicate the causes of the war with great precision.
• The psychologist was able to explicate the patient’s behavior through careful observation and analysis.

Examples Of Using Explain In A Sentence

• The teacher explained the math problem step by step.
• He explained the rules of the game to the new players.
• The doctor explained the diagnosis to the patient in simple terms.
• The tour guide explained the history behind the famous landmark.
• The scientist explained the experiment’s results to the research team.
• The coach explained the strategy to the team before the big game.
• The parent explained the importance of healthy eating to their child.
• The journalist explained the events leading up to the political scandal.
• The engineer explained the technical specifications of the new product.
• The instructor explained the safety procedures before the students began the lab experiment.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “explicate” and “explain”, many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some of the common mistakes people make when using these words interchangeably, and why they are incorrect:

Using “Explicate” When “Explain” Is More Appropriate

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “explicate” when “explain” would be more appropriate. While both words mean to make something clear or understandable, “explicate” is typically used when referring to a detailed analysis or interpretation of a text or work of art. For example:

• Incorrect: Can you explicate the plot of the movie for me?
• Correct: Can you explain the plot of the movie for me?

Using “explicate” in this context would suggest that a detailed analysis of the plot is required, rather than a simple explanation of what happens in the movie.

Using “Explain” When “Explicate” Is More Appropriate

On the other hand, some people make the mistake of using “explain” when “explicate” would be more appropriate. This is often the case when referring to a complex or abstract concept that requires a detailed analysis or interpretation. For example:

• Incorrect: Can you explain the meaning of this poem?
• Correct: Can you explicate the meaning of this poem?

Using “explain” in this context would suggest that a simple explanation of the meaning of the poem is required, rather than a detailed analysis of the language, imagery, and symbolism used in the poem.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the subtle differences between “explicate” and “explain”, and to use them appropriately. Here are some tips to help you use these words correctly:

1. Consider the context in which you are using the words. Are you referring to a simple explanation of a concept, or a detailed analysis or interpretation?
2. If you are referring to a simple explanation, use “explain”. If you are referring to a detailed analysis or interpretation, use “explicate”.
3. When in doubt, consult a dictionary or thesaurus to ensure that you are using the correct word.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “explicate” and “explain,” context is key. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other. Let’s explore some examples of different contexts and how the choice between explicate and explain might change.

Academic Writing

In academic writing, the word “explicate” is often used to describe a detailed analysis or interpretation of a text or idea. This is because “explicate” implies a thorough and careful examination, whereas “explain” may be seen as more general or surface-level. For example, a literature professor might ask their students to explicate a poem, meaning they should provide a detailed analysis of its themes, symbolism, and structure.

Everyday Conversation

In everyday conversation, “explain” is the more common choice. This is because it is a simpler and more straightforward word that is easily understood by most people. For example, if someone asks you to explain how to use a new piece of technology, you would likely use the word “explain” rather than “explicate.”

Legal Writing

In legal writing, the choice between “explicate” and “explain” can depend on the specific context. In some cases, “explicate” may be used to describe a detailed analysis of a legal argument or precedent. However, in other cases, “explain” may be more appropriate, especially when communicating with clients or non-legal professionals. For example, a lawyer may need to explain the terms of a contract to their client in plain language, rather than explicate every legal term and concept.

Overall, the choice between “explicate” and “explain” depends on the specific context and purpose of the communication. While “explicate” may be more appropriate in academic or technical writing, “explain” is often the simpler and more accessible choice for everyday conversation or communication with non-experts.

Exceptions To The Rules

Identifying Exceptions

While the rules for using explicate and explain are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules may not apply. It is important to identify these exceptions in order to use these words correctly and effectively.

Exceptions Explained

Here are some exceptions to the rules for using explicate and explain:

Exception	Explanation	Example
Technical Language	When discussing technical language, it may be more appropriate to use explicate rather than explain. Explicate implies a more detailed and thorough explanation, which may be necessary when discussing technical concepts.	In order to fully understand the concept of quantum mechanics, it is necessary to explicate the mathematical formulas involved.
Emotional Context	When discussing emotions or personal experiences, it may be more appropriate to use explain rather than explicate. Explain implies a more personal and subjective explanation, which may be necessary when discussing emotions.	It is difficult to explicate the feeling of grief, but it can be explained through personal experiences and anecdotes.
Contextual Usage	The context in which these words are used can also affect whether explicate or explain is more appropriate. In some cases, either word may be appropriate depending on the context.	When discussing literary analysis, it may be appropriate to use either explicate or explain depending on the specific context of the analysis.

By understanding these exceptions, you can use explicate and explain more effectively in your writing and communication.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have a clear understanding of the differences between explicate and explain, let’s put our knowledge into practice. Below are some practice exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences.

Exercise 1

Choose the correct word (explicate or explain) to complete the following sentences:

1. The teacher asked the student to ________ the meaning of the poem.
2. The scientist tried to ________ the complex theory to the general public.
3. The lawyer was able to ________ the legal jargon to his client.
4. The professor asked the students to ________ the main themes of the novel.
5. The coach ________ the game plan to the team before the big match.

Answer Key:

1. explain
2. explicate
3. explicate
4. explicate
5. explained

Exercise 2

Write a sentence using the word explicate:

_______________________________________________________________

Explanation: To explicate means to analyze or explain something in detail. For example, “The professor asked the students to explicate the meaning of the poem.”

Exercise 3

Write a sentence using the word explain:

_______________________________________________________________

Explanation: To explain means to make something clear or understandable. For example, “The scientist tried to explain the complex theory to the general public.”

These practice exercises should help you become more comfortable with using explicate and explain correctly in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between explicate and explain is subtle but important. While both words involve providing clarity or understanding, explicate is more focused on analyzing and interpreting complex ideas, while explain is more focused on making something clear or understandable in a simple way.

It is important to consider the context in which these words are used, as well as the audience being addressed. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other.

Key Takeaways:

• Explicate involves analyzing and interpreting complex ideas, while explain involves making something clear or understandable in a simple way.
• The context and audience should be considered when choosing between these words.

As we continue to communicate and express ourselves through language, it is important to have a strong understanding of grammar and language use. By continuing to learn and expand our knowledge, we can improve our communication skills and better connect with those around us.