Explanatory statements or theories are intended to make people understand something by describing it or giving the reasons for it.
[formal]
These statements are accompanied by a series of explanatory notes.
The concept was later seen to have explanatory power.
Synonyms: descriptive, interpretive, illustrative, interpretative More Synonyms of explanatory
explanatory in British English
(ɪkˈsplænətərɪ, -trɪ) or explanative
adjective
serving or intended to serve as an explanation
Derived forms
explanatorily (exˈplanatorily)
adverb
explanatory in American English
(ɛkˈsplænəˌtɔri; ɪkˈsplænəˌtɔri)
adjective
explaining or intended to explain
: also exˈplanative (ɛkˈsplænətɪv; ɪkˈsplænətɪv)
Derived forms
explanatorily (exˈplanaˌtorily)
adverb
Word origin
LL explanatorius
Examples of 'explanatory' in a sentence
explanatory
You now have the option to display relevant explanatory text below or alongside each clause of the bill.
Computing (2010)
Big theories cover more variables and have more explanatory power.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The two explanatory variables have a strong negative effect on industrial concentration.
Forstner, Helmut, Ballance, Robert Competing in a Global Economy (1990)
Send them a cheque in the post with an explanatory letter.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
They accompany this show not with a conventional catalogue of explanatory texts but with a glossary of terms.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
On the face of it, this overlooked possibility has a great deal of explanatory power.
Andrew Bridgeford 1066: and the Hidden History of the Bayeux Tapestry (2004)
Obesity studies have one thing in common: they lack explanatory power.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
We published it alongside clear explanatory text which gave the context of the Bill itself.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The site is like a car dashboard, with exceptionally clear explanatory notes you can click on.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The principal theories offered to account for the origin and evolution of stratification are compared and contrasted and their general explanatory power is assessed.
Sanderson, Stephen K. Macrosociology: An Introduction to Human Societies (1995)
And so tight is space that explanatory text is often squeezed out of the way, leaving enigmatic icons.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
What counts is the explanatory power of such hypotheses, not whether they fit in with "common sense".
Salkie, Raphael The Chomsky Update - Linguistics and Politics (1990)
It has real explanatory power.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
According to this theory, the most powerful element in this process is the superior explanatory power of science to account for the universe.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Both sides offered wide explanatory power going beyond the facts at hand, both had strong supporting evidence but both also were confronted with anomalies.
Yearley, Steven Science, Technology, and Social Change (1988)
I read the explanatory letter.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Once a variety of interests is admitted, the explanatory power of this general sociological theory diminishes, although the importance of particular case studies remains.
Yearley, Steven Science, Technology, and Social Change (1988)
The watchdog does say that explanatory notes 'critical to understanding of the statistics' made it clear that the figures did not represent the earnings of individuals.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The book would have been strengthened with a glossary or a more extensive use of explanatory footnotes, to overcome the inevitable distancing effect of the Arabic terms.
Christianity Today (2000)
The only saving grace was the explanatory note from the film that my new pal was holding: 'This person is under the care of a prescription puppet.
The Sun (2011)
In other languages
explanatory
British English: explanatory ADJECTIVE
Explanatory statements or theories are intended to make people understand something by describing it or giving the reasons for it.
These statements are accompanied by a series of explanatory notes.
American English: explanatory
Brazilian Portuguese: explicativo
Chinese: 解释性的
European Spanish: explicativo
French: explicatif
German: erklärend
Italian: esplicativo
Japanese: 説明的な
Korean: 이유를 밝히는
European Portuguese: explicativo
Latin American Spanish: explicativo
Chinese translation of 'explanatory'
explanatory
(ɪksˈplænətrɪ) (frm)
adj
[statement, comment]说(說)明的 (shuōmíng de)
(adjective)
Definition
serving or intended to serve as an explanation
The statements are accompanied by a series of explanatory notes.
Synonyms
descriptive
The group adopted a simpler, more descriptive title.
interpretive
illustrative
The following excerpt is illustrative of her interaction with students.
interpretative
demonstrative
His latest paintings were demonstrative of his technical ability.
justifying
expository
A textbook relies heavily on an expository style of writing.
illuminative
elucidatory
explicative
Additional synonyms
in the sense of demonstrative
His latest paintings were demonstrative of his technical ability.
Synonyms
indicative,
symptomatic,
illustrative,
expository,
evincive
in the sense of expository
Definition
explanatory
A textbook relies heavily on an expository style of writing.
Synonyms
explanatory,
descriptive,
interpretive,
illustrative,
interpretative,
hermeneutic,
explicatory,
explicative,
elucidative,
exegetic
in the sense of illustrative
The following excerpt is illustrative of her interaction with students.