What does explicatively mean?
Explicatively means in an explanatory manner or by way of explanation. It is used when speech, writing, or another form of communication is intended to clarify a subject, expose the reasoning behind an idea, or unfold a complicated matter for an audience. The word has a formal, learned register and occurs less often in ordinary conversation than alternatives such as explanatorily or, where the context warrants it, in explanatory terms. It should not be confused with explicitly, which means clearly and unmistakably without necessarily supplying an explanation. Explicatively is especially useful in academic, philosophical, legal, and educational contexts, where the process of interpretation and clarification is important. Although uncommon, it is precise and distinctive, drawing attention both to the presence of an explanation and to the explanatory manner in which something is presented.
adverbIn an explanatory manner; by way of explanation. It describes speech or writing intended to clarify, unfold, or make something easier to understand.
- In an explanatory manner; by way of explanation.
"She restated the rule explicatively so that the younger students could follow the reasoning."
"The professor discussed the apparent contradiction explicatively, tracing the argument to its underlying assumptions."
"The guide uses diagrams explicatively, showing how each part of the mechanism fits into the whole."
Explicatively turns the Latin idea of unfolding into a reminder that good explanations can make complexity visible.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of explicatively
Explicatively was formed by adding the adverbial suffix -ly to explicative, an adjective meaning “serving to explain.” The family ultimately derives from Latin explicare, “to unfold, explain,” formed from ex-, meaning “out,” and plicare, meaning “to fold.” Latin explicare became the source of related English words such as explain, explanation, and explicate. The same unfolding metaphor also underlies the word’s cognates in other European languages.
How explicatively is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon adverb, found chiefly in academic, philosophical, legal, and explanatory prose. It is more specific than simply saying that something is stated clearly: the emphasis is on the explanatory purpose of the statement.
Easily confused with explicatively
Explicitly means clearly and unmistakably, whereas explicatively means in a manner that provides an explanation.