What does explicably mean?
Explicably is an adverb meaning “in a way that can be explained or understood.” It is used when describing a result, connection, or sequence of events for which there is a discoverable rationale, as in “The two findings are explicably linked.” The word does not mean merely that something has been stated directly; its focus is on whether the relationship or outcome admits of explanation. Nor does it imply that the explanation is certain or complete. Explicably has a formal, somewhat uncommon register and is especially useful in contexts where a claim must be distinguished from something that remains mysterious or unexplained. It belongs to a family of English words derived from Latin explicare, “to unfold, explain,” including explicit, explicate, and explanation. Although explicably can make a sentence sound analytical or authoritative, it should be used only when a coherent account is genuinely available. In contemporary writing, it is most often seen in expository prose, research discussion, and careful analysis of causes, connections, and consequences.
adverbIn a way that can be explained or reasonably understood; intelligibly.
- In a manner or on grounds that can be explained or understood.
"The decline in attendance is explicably linked to the introduction of higher fees."
"The decline in attendance is explicably linked to the introduction of higher fees."
"Her absence was explicably due to illness, according to the statement she provided."
Its Latin ancestor meant “to unfold”: to make a mystery explicable is to open it up.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does explicably come from?
Explicably was formed in English by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to explicable. Explicable comes from Latin explicabilis, meaning “that can be explained,” which is based on explicare, “to unfold, explain.” Related English words include explicit, explicate, and explanation.
How explicably is actually used
Neutral, formal, and relatively uncommon in everyday speech. It is appropriate when discussing causes or relationships that can be accounted for, but can sound overly analytical in casual conversation.
Easily confused with explicably
Explicitly means clearly and directly, whereas explicably describes something done in a way that admits of explanation.