elucidate
elucidate — verb
1. to make a difficult or confusing topic easier to understand by giving a detailed
to make a difficult or confusing topic easier to understand by giving a detailed explanation
During her first lecture, Professor Harper elucidated a key argument in the research paper.
elucidate + noun phrase in academic context
The internal report elucidated the reasons behind the company's sudden drop in sales.
elucidate + noun phrase (reasons/causes)
Élise's simple explanation elucidated a point that had puzzled the students all semester.
Could you please elucidate what you mean by 'sustainable growth' in your proposal?
The colour-coded diagram helps elucidate the complex process of photosynthesis for beginners.
- explain
Everyday term for any level of detail; far more common than elucidate
- clarify
Focuses on removing confusion from something already partly understood
- expound
Implies a lengthy, systematic explanation, often spoken or written at length
- illuminate
More figurative; suggests providing insight into something previously obscure
文法句型
elucidate + noun phrase
elucidate + wh-clause
help + elucidate + noun phrase
用法筆記
Formal register — used primarily in academic, technical, or professional writing. Typically transitive (elucidate something). The intransitive pattern 'elucidate on' is sometimes encountered but considered non-standard by most usage guides.