Cool MateDefinition vs Explanation
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Definition
Explanation
| Definition | Explanation | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌdefɪˈnɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌdefɪˈnɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌekspləˈneɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌekspləˈneɪʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A clear explanation of the meaning of a word. | A statement or description that makes something clear. |
| Example | The definition of love can vary from person to person. | The teacher gave a clear explanation of the difficult concept. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | A2 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | careful, clear, concise, give (somebody), offer (somebody), propose, encompass something, include something, according to a/the definition, by definition, under a/the definition, careful, clear, concise, give (somebody), offer (somebody), propose, encompass something, include something, according to a/the definition, by definition, under a/the definition | convincing, credible, good, have, give (somebody), offer (somebody), lie, emerge, occur to somebody, in explanation, without explanation, explanation about, an attempt at explanation, by way of explanation, convincing, credible, good, have, give (somebody), offer (somebody), lie, emerge, occur to somebody, in explanation, without explanation, explanation about, an attempt at explanation, by way of explanation |
| Antonyms | ambiguity, confusion | confusion, mystification |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'definitive' which refers to something final or conclusive., Using it in a grammatical context where 'meaning' is more suitable., Mistaking it for 'definer', which is a person who defines. | 'Explanation' is often confused with 'explanation' versus 'explanatory'., Sometimes learners forget to use 'an' before 'explanation'., Using 'explain' instead of 'explanation' in noun forms. |
| Usage notes | Use 'definition' when discussing the meaning of words in educational contexts. It is appropriate for formal writing and informal conversations but avoid it in overly casual settings. | Use 'explanation' in neutral contexts. It’s suitable for formal writing, but can also be used in conversation. Avoid it in very casual or slang contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Definition vs Explanation
What's the difference between Definition and Explanation?
Definition: A clear explanation of the meaning of a word. Explanation: A statement or description that makes something clear.
Which is more common: Definition and Explanation?
Definition is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Definition and Explanation?
Definition is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Definition and Explanation the same CEFR level?
Definition: B1, Explanation: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Definition and Explanation?
Definition: noun, Explanation: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Definition: The definition of love can vary from person to person. Explanation: The teacher gave a clear explanation of the difficult concept.
Can I use Definition and Explanation interchangeably?
Not always. Definition and Explanation are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.