explicable

/ɪkˈsplɪkəbəl/ formal

Say it: ik-SPLIK-uh-buhl

adjective Able to be explained, understood, or accounted for.
Her sudden outburst was perfectly explicable once we learned she had lost her keys.

📖 Seen in the wild

Despite its initial complexity, the phenomenon proved to be entirely explicable with the right scientific model.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ explicable in a sentence

The scientist argued that the strange readings were an explicable anomaly caused by equipment malfunction.
Any budget variance must be fully explicable and documented in your quarterly report.
While the politician's decision was unpopular, his motives were explicable in terms of political strategy.
The sudden drop in the stock market was not easily explicable, leaving analysts searching for a cause.
To the rational mind, the haunting sounds from the old manor were explicable as the wind whistling through broken panes.
Much of human behavior, though complex, is explicable through the lens of psychology and sociology.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

understandable comprehensible accountable explainable intelligible justifiable fathomable definable

understandable · focuses more on the ability of a person to grasp something.

comprehensible · similar to understandable, emphasizing mental grasp.

accountable · often implies a reason for which one can be held responsible.

explainable · a direct synonym that is slightly less formal.

Opposites: inexplicable, mysterious, baffling, incomprehensible, unaccountable

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'explicable' comes to us from the Latin 'explicare', meaning 'to unfold' or 'unravel'. It's formed from 'ex-' (out) and 'plicare' (to fold). The idea is that to explain something is to metaphorically unfold it so all its parts can be clearly seen and understood.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

perfectly explicableeasily explicableexplicable behaviorexplicable phenomenonexplicable in terms ofnot entirely explicable

'Explicable' is a formal word best suited for writing and professional speech. It is often used to counter a suggestion of mystery, asserting that a rational cause exists even if it's not immediately obvious. In casual conversation, 'explainable' or 'makes sense' are more natural choices. Be careful not to confuse it with 'explicit', which means stated clearly and in detail.

Word family: explicate, explication, inexplicable, inexplicably

💬 Quick answers

What does explicable mean?

Explicable means that something can be explained, accounted for, or understood. It suggests that a logical reason or cause for it exists.

What is the difference between explicable and explainable?

They are very close synonyms. However, 'explicable' is considered more formal and is more common in writing, while 'explainable' is a more straightforward and common word in everyday speech.

Is 'explicable' a formal word?

Yes, 'explicable' is generally used in formal, academic, or professional contexts. In casual conversation, people are more likely to use words like 'understandable' or 'explainable'.

What is the opposite of explicable?

The direct opposite is 'inexplicable,' which describes something that cannot be explained, understood, or accounted for.

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