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Elucidated

/ɪˈluːsɪˌdeɪtɪd/

verbC1past tense

Definition

To elucidate means to make something clear or easy to understand by giving more details or explanations. It is often used when someone explains a difficult idea or topic in a way that helps others understand it better.

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⚡ See It in Action

To explain something clearly and in detail

  • •The professor elucidated the complex theory during the lecture.
  • •She elucidated the steps needed to complete the project.
  • •The guide elucidated the history of the ancient ruins for the tourists.

🧲 Make It Stick

  • ✓Think of "elucidated" like "explained," but more careful and clear—like shining a bright light on a dark, confusing idea
  • ✓Picture a teacher using a flashlight to show the way in a dark room, helping students see everything clearly
  • ✓It's the feeling you get when a confusing subject suddenly makes sense after someone explains it well
  • ✓Sounds like "e-loo-si-day-ted" → Imagine someone saying "I’ll loo-see-date it" meaning "I will make it clear today"
  • ✓Remember a detective explaining clues step by step so everyone understands the mystery
  • ✓NOT like "guess" (no clear information), "elucidate" gives clear, detailed understanding
  • ✓NOT like "mention" (just say something briefly), "elucidate" means fully explaining
  • ✓NOT like "confuse" (make unclear), "elucidate" means to remove confusion

🔄 Try Other Words

  • •Clarify: to make something clear or easier to understand (Use when you want to remove confusion but not necessarily give a full explanation)
  • •Explain: to make an idea or situation clear by describing it in detail (Use in everyday, simple contexts)
  • •Illuminate: to make something clearer or easier to understand, often by giving new information (Use in formal or literary contexts)

🔍 Unboxing

  • •Word parts: prefix "e-" (out) + root "lucid" (clear) + suffix "-ate" (to make or cause) + past tense "-ed"
  • •Etymology: From Latin "elucidare," meaning "to make clear" or "to explain"
  • •Historical development: Used in English since the 17th century, especially in writing and speech to mean making something clear or understandable
  • •Modern usage: Common in formal writing, academic texts, or speeches when explaining complex ideas clearly

💭 Reflect & Connect

•Fill-in-blank: I feel confident when I can elucidate a topic to someone who is confused about it.
•How does elucidating a difficult subject help others learn better?
•Can you think of a time when someone elucidated something for you and it changed your understanding? What was it?

Fill in the blanks with the correct word:

1.The most difficult idea I ever had elucidated was _______ because _______.