noun
1.
something that makes clear what is obscure
sought some explanation of the difficult passage
Synonyms: construal, construction, exegesis, explication, exposé, exposition, interpretation
Related Word: disentanglement, unscrambling; enlightenment, illumination; definition, meaning; resolution, solution; demonstration, example, exemplification, illustration
2.
a statement of causes, grounds, or motives
refused an explanation for her act
Synonyms: account, justification, rationale, rationalization, reason
Related Word: grounds; motive