By Iswat Ishola, Francis Ikuerowo, Chiamaka Egwuchukwu, and Saminu Yusuf
Elucidate
(/i-LOO-si-deit/)
Elucidate (/i-LOO-si-deit/) is a verb meaning to make something clear or explain it, often in detail, by providing more information or examples. It involves shedding light on a subject, making it easier to understand, especially when it was previously unclear or confusing.
For example, the teacher elucidated the complex theory by breaking it down into simpler parts. It’s commonly used in academic, technical, or formal contexts when someone is explaining or clarifying an idea, process, or text.
Origin:
From the Late Latin word elucidare, meaning “to make light, illuminate,” which is derived from e- (a variant of ex-, meaning “out”) and lucidus, meaning “bright or clear.”
Synonyms of elucidate
explain, clarify, simplify, illustrate, expound
Antonyms of elucidate
confuse, complicate, obscure, muddle
In Yoruba, elucidate is translated to “ṣàlàyé” as in to explain or “ṣalaye lẹkunrẹrẹ” to explain in detail
Examples
1. Olùkọ́ náà ṣàlàyé lẹ́kunrẹ́rẹ́ bí iṣẹ́ náà ṣe rí. (The teacher elucidated the topic in detail)
2. Jọ̀wọ́, ṣàlàyé lẹ́kunrẹ́rẹ́ kí n lè lóye dáadáa. (Please, elucidate thoroughly so I can understand)
In Igbo, elucidate is translated to “Kowaa nke dooro anya”
Examples
1. Onye nkuzi ga-kowaa nke dooro anya mgbako na nwepu siri ike na klassi. (The teacher will elucidate the difficult mathematics in class.)
2. O ya agbambo ikowaa nke dooro anya ntuziaka n’agbagwoju anya. (She will try to elucidate the confusing instructions.)
In Hausa, “Fayyace” ko “bayyani” is the Hausa equivalent of elucidate.
Examples
1. Malamin ya yi bayani sosai don ya fayyace ka’idar ga ɗalibai (The professor tried to elucidate the theory so the students could grasp it easily)
2. A lokacin taro, suka nemi shi ya fayyace shawarar da ya gabatar (During the meeting, he was asked to elucidate his proposal in more detail)
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French: élucider / éclaircir
Both verbs work, but éclaircir is more common in everyday speech.
Examples
- Peux-tu éclaircir ce point ? Je ne comprends pas. Can you elucidate this point? I don’t understand.)
- Le professeur a élucidé la question pendant le cours. (The teacher elucidated the question during the lesson.)
Spanish: elucidar / aclarar
Aclarar is the everyday, natural option. Elucidar is more formal.
Examples
- ¿Puedes aclarar lo que dijiste? (Can you elucidate what you said?)
- El autor intenta elucidar sus ideas en el libro. (The author tries to elucidate his ideas in the book.)
German: erläutern / erklären
Erläutern is closest to “elucidate,” meaning “to explain in detail.”
Examples
- Kannst du das bitte näher erläutern? (Can you elucidate that further?)
- Der Wissenschaftler erklärte das Konzept sehr klar. (The scientist elucidated the concept very clearly.)
Iswat Ishola is the lead contributor to this column, with additional language contributions from Francis Ikuerowo (French, German, and Spanish), Chiamaka Egwuchukwu (Igbo), and Saminu Yusuf (Hausa).
