elucidate

/əˈluː.sɪ.de͡ɪt/

Group 16Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(verb)
To make something clear; to explain
GRE

Example in Context

The professor spent an extra hour attempting to elucidate the theorem, using everyday analogies to bridge the gap between intuition and formal proof.

Synonyms

explainclarifyilluminate

Etymology

To make something clear by bringing it out into the light.

  • e- (Latin) — out
  • lucid (Latin) — clear

Memory Aid

8️⃣Sounds like “elucid-eight

Imagine a brilliant professor saying 'Let me ELUCIDATE this for EIGHT confused students!' as he shines a flashlight on a dark board!

Visual Association

💡A glowing light bulb illuminating a dark room filled with puzzled faces, suddenly brightened with understanding.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “elucidate” mean on the GRE?

elucidate (verb) means “To make something clear; to explain”. The professor spent an extra hour attempting to elucidate the theorem, using everyday analogies to bridge the gap between intuition and formal proof.

How to remember “elucidate” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “elucidate” sounds like “elucid-eight”. Imagine a brilliant professor saying 'Let me ELUCIDATE this for EIGHT confused students!' as he shines a flashlight on a dark board!

What are synonyms for “elucidate”?

Common synonyms: explain, clarify, illuminate.