different between explanation vs runaround

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

Alternative forms

• run-around
• run around

Etymology

From the phrasal verb run around.

Noun

runaround (plural runarounds)

1. An evasive explanation in the form of multiple excuses.

   I called them to find out what had happened to my parcel, but all I got was a runaround.

2. A detour or route that bypasses an obstacle.
3. (printing) A section of type that is narrower than that of the column it is part of; typically next to an illustration.
4. A whitlow running around the fingernail but not affecting the bone.

Derived terms

• get the runaround
• give somebody the runaround

Translations