different between explanation vs illumination

English

Alternative forms

• explaination (misspelling or obsolete spelling)

Etymology

From Latin explanatio (“an explanation, interpretation”), from explanare (“explain”); see explain.

Morphologically explain +? -ation

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??kspl??ne???n/
• Rhymes: -e???n

Noun

explanation (countable and uncountable, plural explanations)

1. The act or process of explaining.

   The explanation was long and drawn-out.

2. Something that explains, makes understandable.

   An explanation for the UFO sightings was easily found.

3. A resolution of disputed points pursuant to discussion; a mutual clarification of disputed points; reconciliation.

Synonyms

• (act or process of explaining): clarification; elucidation; elaboration; explaining; femsplaining (pej., particularly by a feminist to a man); mansplaining, mansplanation (pej., particularly by a man to a woman)

Related terms

• explain
• explanatory
• explicative
• explicator
• explicatory

Translations

Further reading

• explanation in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• explanation in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French illumination, from Late Latin illuminatio, from Latin illumino.

Pronunciation

• (General American) IPA^(key): /??lum??ne???n/
• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /??l(j)um??ne???n/
• Rhymes: -e???n
• Hyphenation: il?lu?mi?na?tion

Noun

illumination (countable and uncountable, plural illuminations)

1. The act of illuminating, or supplying with light; the state of being illuminated.
2. Festive decoration of houses or buildings with lights.
3. Adornment of books and manuscripts with colored illustrations. See illuminate (transitive verb).
4. (figuratively) Splendour; brightness.
5. (figuratively) Enlightening influence; inspiration.

Synonyms

• lumination (rare)

Translations

French

Etymology

Borrowed from Late Latin illuminatio, illuminationem, from Latin illumino.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /i.ly.mi.na.sj??/

Noun

illumination f (plural illuminations)

1. enlightenment (philosophy and psychology related to achieving clarity of perception, reason and knowledge)
2. illumination, lighting

Related terms

• illuminer

Further reading

• “illumination” in Trésor de la langue française informatisé (The Digitized Treasury of the French Language).