elucidate

Definition

To make (something) lucid (“bright, luminous; also, clear, transparent”).

Etymology

From Late Latin ēlūcidātus, perfect passive participle of ēlūcidō (“to lighten, enlighten”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from ē(x)- (“out, from”) + lūcidus (“bright, clear, understandable”) + -ō (first conjugation verb-forming suffix), literally “to make light of (something)”, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *lewk- (“bright; to see; to shine”). Compare French élucider.

Example Sentences

• "Let me hear vvhat your ovvn conceptions are of the matter, if they tend to elucidate or reconcile."
• "Dining at Mr. [Samuel] Pepys's, Dr. Slayer shewed us an experiment of a wonderful nature, […] This matter or phosphorus was made out of human blood and urine, elucidating the vital flame or heate in animal bodys."
• "The antiquities of France have been elucidated by a learned and ingenious people: […]"

Related Words