How to pronounce explanation
Say it like ek-spluh-NAY-shun. Explanation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce explanation. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ek
- spluh
- NAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Explanation pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ekGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- spluhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of explanation
American and British speakers say explanation in essentially the same way: /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ek-spluh-NAY-shun.
What does explanation mean?
- a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.“the explanation was very simple”“I expected a brief account”
- thought that makes something comprehensible
- the act of explaining; making something plain or intelligible“I heard his explanation of the accident”
Where does explanation come from?
From Latin explanatio (“an explanation, interpretation”), from explanare (“explain”); see explain.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with explanation
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of explanation.
- information
- education
- situation
- association
- population
- station
- administration
- operation
- organization
- application
Questions about saying explanation
How do you pronounce explanation?
Say ek-spluh-NAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in explanation?
Explanation has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NAY). Broken into parts: ek · spluh · NAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say explanation the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌɛkspləˈneɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.