adjective

explanatory

ik-SPLAN-uh-tor-ee/ɪkˈsplænətɔːri/

Helping to make something understandable.

The diagram includes explanatory notes that make each step clear.

An explanatory inset diagram beside a simple hand water pump shows piston movement and water flow with a few functional arrows, mechanism internally coherent, no written labels.

Etymology

exLatinout

+planLatinflat

+atoryLatinhaving to do with

Making something flat or level became making it plain to the mind. The adjective, from or modeled on a Latin form, describes something that serves this clarifying purpose.

In context

Modern-Day Debate32:10

when you ask for the explanatory hypothesis you're looking for what explains the given like uh phenomenon we're talking about here

Does Krishna Exist? | AskYourself & Jack Angstreich vs Sidharth & Arjuna | Debate Podcast

More examples

Please attach an explanatory letter to your application.
Explanatory captions help visitors understand the museum's exhibits.
This model has greater explanatory power than the earlier version.

Forms

explain verb — To make something easier to understand.

explanation noun — A statement that makes something understandable.

Similar words

clarifying: Emphasizes removing confusion rather than supplying a full explanation.
illustrative: Makes an idea clearer by using examples or comparisons.