explanatory

adjective

ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ik-ˈspla-nə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce explanatory (audio)
: serving to explain
explanatory notes
explanatorily adverb

Examples of explanatory in a Sentence

There are explanatory notes at the front of the book. the explanatory section has as its heading “What the New Tax Changes Mean”
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One approach is to try to change people’s belief or explanatory theory about something. Sigal Samuel, Vox, 15 Dec. 2024 The 1-inch format tape on an open reel had been carefully packaged and included an explanatory note by Dunlop taped to the outside, along with a longer letter from him tucked inside. IEEE Spectrum, 12 Dec. 2024 The movie, without devoting one explanatory line of dialogue to it, treats Avery’s career as an existential relationship ender. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024 The body language of Alexander-Arnold was such that Slot appeared briefly at his side to offer a few explanatory words. Daniel Taylor, The Athletic, 25 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for explanatory 

Word History

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of explanatory was in 1600

Dictionary Entries Near explanatory

Cite this Entry

“Explanatory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explanatory. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

explanatory

adjective
ex·​plan·​a·​to·​ry ik-ˈsplan-ə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce explanatory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: serving to explain
explanatory notes
explanatorily adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on explanatory

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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