explanation crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "explanation crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
REASON: A justification or a cause for an event or action, often serving as an explanation.
7 Letters
ACCOUNT: A report or description of an event or experience, providing details that explain it.
10 Letters
DEFINITION: A statement of the exact meaning of a word, phrase, or term, which serves as a precise explanation.
11 Letters
ELUCIDATION: The act of making something clear or easy to understand; clarification, a thorough explanation.
More About "explanation crossword clue"
The clue "explanation" often appears in crosswords, inviting a range of synonyms that articulate the act of making something clear or providing a reason. From a simple "reason" to a more formal "elucidation," the specific answer will depend on the letter count and surrounding letters in your puzzle. Crossword setters love clues like this because they allow for both straightforward definitions and more nuanced interpretations that test a solver's vocabulary depth.
Understanding the context of the clue is key. Is it asking for a brief justification, a detailed report, or a formal clarification? The various shades of meaning for "explanation" can lead to diverse answers. This clue also frequently appears in cryptics, where wordplay might hide a definition of "explanation" within a complex phrase, requiring you to break down the clue meticulously.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the context: Look at the intersecting letters. Do they suggest a shorter, more common word like REASON, or a longer, more academic term like ELUCIDATION?
- Think broadly about synonyms: Don't limit yourself to direct definitions. Words like ACCOUNT (a detailed report), or even THEORY (an explanation for phenomena) can fit if the clue hints at them.
- Check for wordplay hints (if cryptic): If it's a cryptic crossword, look for indicators of anagrams, hidden words, or charades that might lead to a part of or the whole answer for "explanation."
- Use a thesaurus: If you're truly stuck, a quick thesaurus check for "explanation" can spark ideas for less common synonyms that might fit the letter count.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of clues often lead to 'explanation' as an answer?
Clues that ask for a 'reason why', 'clarification', 'meaning', or 'justification' often point to answers related to explanation. Look for synonyms like 'cause', 'motive', 'report', 'description', or 'analysis' in the clue.
How can understanding the 'explanation' concept help with other crosswords?
Many crossword clues require you to explain a concept, word, or phrase in different terms. Recognizing words like REASON, ACCOUNT, or THEORY as forms of explanation can help you identify answers that elaborate on the clue's core meaning, even if the word 'explanation' isn't explicitly used in the answer.
Are there common wordplay techniques used for 'explanation' clues?
Yes, cryptic crosswords might use wordplay on parts of the word itself (e.g., 'Ex-planation for a former map?' leading to a word involving 'plan'). Standard crosswords might use direct synonyms or definitions that require a broader understanding of what constitutes an 'explanation' to find the precise fit.