explication
UK[ˌɛksplɪˈkeɪʃən]US[ˌɛksplɪˈkeɪʃən]
n
The act or process of explaining or analyzing something, especially a literary text, in great detail.
n
A detailed explanation or interpretation of a text or concept.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
plic
ation
ex
out,
plic
to fold.
ation
Etymology
The word 'explication' originates from the Latin verb 'explicare,' which means "to unfold" or "to explain." This verb itself is a compound of the prefix 'ex-' (out) and 'plicare' (to fold), creating the literal image of "unfolding" something to reveal its contents. Through French mediation, the term entered English, retaining this core metaphorical sense. The modern abstract meaning—a detailed explanation or analysis—logically extends from this ancient concept of unfolding complex ideas or texts to make them clear and understandable.
Analysis
Structure: ex + plic + ation
- ex-: A Latin prefix meaning "out," "thoroughly," or "from." It functions as an intensifier in this word.
- plic: A Latin root from 'plicare,' meaning "to fold." It functions as the core semantic element.
- ation: A Latin-derived suffix forming nouns of action or state. It functions as a nominalizer.
Examples
The professor's explication of the poem revealed layers of meaning we had missed.
The manual includes a thorough explication of the software's installation process.
Her essay provides a brilliant explication of the novel's central themes.