explanatively

Explanatively is an adverb meaning “in an explanatory manner.” It describes speech, writing, teaching, or other conduct whose purpose or manner is to make something clear. For example, a speaker might answer a question explanatively by identifying the central issue and carefully explaining its significance. The word is grammatically straightforward: it is formed from the adjective “explanatory” with the suffix “-ly.” Although correct in both British and American English, it is more characteristic of formal writing than everyday speech. Writers will usually find simpler alternatives such as “to explain,” “to clarify,” or “in an explanatory way.” Explanatively can therefore be useful when precision matters, but its relative rarity and formal register mean that it may sound deliberate, elevated, or slightly old-fashioned in some contexts.

In an explanatory manner; in a way that explains or clarifies something.

Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Where does explanatively come from?

Explanatively was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix “-ly” to “explanatory.” “Explanatory” derives from Latin explanatorius, meaning “that explains,” from explanator, an “explainer.” The Latin family ultimately traces to explicare, “to unfold” or “make plain,” built from ex-, meaning “out,” and plicare, “to fold.” English words such as “explicate,” “explication,” and “explicative” belong to the same Latin root family.

How explanatively is actually used

This is a formal and relatively uncommon word. In ordinary writing, phrases such as “to explain,” “in explanation,” or “to clarify” are usually more natural.

Easily confused with explanatively

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