explanatory

[ ik-splan-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]
/ ɪkˈsplæn əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

serving to explain: an explanatory footnote.
Sometimes ex·plan·a·tive [ik-splan-uh-tiv] /ɪkˈsplæn ə tɪv/.

Origin of explanatory

From the Late Latin word explānātōrius, dating back to 1610–20. See explain, -tory1

OTHER WORDS FROM explanatory

Example sentences from the Web for explanatory

British Dictionary definitions for explanatory

explanatory

explanative

/ (ɪkˈsplænətərɪ, -trɪ) /

adjective

serving or intended to serve as an explanation

Derived forms of explanatory

explanatorily, adverb