Explanative vs. Explanatory — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 6, 2024
Explanative is less common, focusing on the act of explaining, while explanatory is widely used to describe something that clarifies or makes clear.
Difference Between Explanative and Explanatory
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Explanative is a term used to describe an approach or a method aimed at explaining or making something understandable. On the other hand, explanatory is a more commonly used adjective that pertains to the provision of an explanation or clarification.
Explanative approach might involve a teacher actively engaging in the process of breaking down complex ideas into more digestible parts for students. Explanatory materials are often added to texts, documents, or presentations to enhance understanding, offering insights or explanations that help to illuminate the subject matter.
The difference between the two terms primarily lies in their usage and frequency. Explanative, emphasizing the process or action of explaining, conveys a more dynamic aspect of elucidation. Whereas explanatory, denoting the capacity or function of providing clarity, is more commonly employed to describe the characteristics of something that aids in understanding.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to the act of explaining.
Providing an explanation or clarification.
Usage
Less common, emphasizes process.
More common, describes clarifying content.
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Context
Often implies effort or method.
Usually denotes the presence of clarifying information.
Examples
Methods, discussions, analogies.
Notes, definitions, background information.
Focus
On the process or action.
On the characteristic of being clarifying.
Compare with Definitions
Explanative
Involved in the act of elucidating or explaining.
Her explanative remarks made the subject matter more accessible.
Explanatory
Intended to make clear or explain.
The document included an explanatory section that outlined the procedure.
Explanative
Pertaining to efforts aimed at understanding.
The research took an explanative approach to the historical events.
Explanatory
Descriptive of something that provides explanation.
The teacher provided explanatory feedback on the assignments.
Explanative
Relating to the process of making something clear.
The teacher’s explanative style helped students grasp complex topics easily.
Explanatory
Aiding in the understanding of something.
The explanatory figures in the chapter helped visualize the data.
Explanative
Descriptive of a method designed to clarify.
The explanative diagrams in the book simplify difficult concepts.
Explanatory
Serving to clarify something.
Explanatory notes at the bottom of the page provided essential definitions.
Explanative
Concerned with the action of explaining.
The professor’s explanative methodology engaged all students in the learning process.
Explanatory
Relating to materials or statements that explain.
The guidebook contains explanatory information about the exhibits.
Explanative
Explanatory.
Explanatory
Serving or intended to explain
An explanatory paragraph.
Explanative
That serves to explain; explanatory
Explanatory
Intended to serve as an explanation.
Below the diagram is an explanatory text.
Explanative
Explanatory.
Explanatory
(of a person) Disposed to explain.
Explanatory
Serving to explain; containing explanation; as explanatory notes.
Explanatory
Serving or intended to explain or make clear;
Explanatory notes
An explanatory paragraph
Common Curiosities
Is explanative a commonly used word?
No, it’s less common compared to explanatory.
What does explanative mean?
It refers to something related to the act or process of explaining.
How is explanatory used?
It describes something that provides clarification or explanation.
What might an explanatory note contain?
It could include clarifications, definitions, or additional information to aid understanding.
How do explanatory notes enhance comprehension?
They provide essential background, definitions, or examples that clarify the main content.
Can explanative and explanatory be used interchangeably?
While they can be similar, explanative focuses more on the process of explaining, and explanatory on the content that explains.
What is an example of an explanative method?
Using analogies to make complex ideas more relatable is an explanative method.
Why choose an explanative approach?
It’s useful for actively engaging an audience in understanding complex subjects.
Can something be both explanative and explanatory?
Yes, if it involves an active explaining process and also serves to clarify.
What context is explanatory often used in?
In academic texts, manuals, or any material needing clarification.
Are explanative techniques only used in education?
No, they can be applied in any field requiring the clarification of complex information.
Can explanative elements be interactive?
Yes, they often involve interactive methods to facilitate understanding.
What makes explanatory materials important?
They are crucial for ensuring that information is understood accurately.
How do explanatory elements differ from explanative ones?
Explanatory elements clarify, while explanative ones focus on the process of making something clear.
Is the goal of explanatory information always to educate?
Not solely; it can also aim to inform or clarify without an educational context.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
