explicandum
LowFormal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
The proposition or concept that requires explanation; the thing to be explained.
In philosophy of science and logic, the phenomenon, statement, or event that serves as the starting point for an explanatory argument, requiring clarification through an 'explanans' (the explanation itself).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in philosophical, scientific, and methodological contexts. Almost always appears paired with its counterpart 'explanans'. It represents the 'what' that needs explaining before the 'how' or 'why' is provided.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British academic philosophy due to Latin tradition.
Connotations
Scholarly, precise, abstract.
Frequency
Very rare in general usage; confined almost exclusively to academic papers, particularly in philosophy of science and critical theory.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The/Our] explicandum is [phenomenon/statement][Article] must first establish its explicandum.With [X] as the explicandum, the theory proceeds...The relationship between explicandum and explanans.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “From explicandum to explanans”
- “The explicandum-explanans model”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in philosophy, logic, scientific methodology, and critical theory papers to structure arguments.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound pretentious or jarring.
Technical
Used precisely in philosophical and methodological writing to denote the specific item requiring explanation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A – 'explicandum' is a noun.
American English
- N/A – 'explicandum' is a noun.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A – no direct adjective form. 'Explicatory' or 'explanatory' are related.
American English
- N/A – no direct adjective form. 'Explicatory' or 'explanatory' are related.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- N/A – word is too advanced for A2 level.
- N/A – word is too advanced for B1 level.
- The first step in any scientific paper is to clearly state the explicandum—what exactly you are trying to explain.
- Before critiquing the proposed model, one must rigorously define the explicandum it purports to address, lest the debate become unmoored from its original subject.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EXPLICandum' – what needs to be 'EXPLICated' or made explicit.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TARGET for explanation. A RAW MATERIAL for the factory of theory. The QUESTION awaiting an ANSWER.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'экспликация' (explication). 'Explicandum' is the *object* of explication. A rough conceptual translation could be 'объясняемое'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a synonym for 'explanation'.
- Using it in informal contexts.
- Mispronouncing the final '-dum' as '-dam' or '-don'.
- Forgetting it is almost always paired with 'explanans'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'explicandum' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most modern academic usage, they are synonyms. 'Explicandum' comes from Latin 'explicare' (to unfold), while 'explanandum' comes from 'explanare' (to make plain). 'Explicandum' is slightly more common in certain philosophical traditions.
It is strongly discouraged. Using such a rare, technical term in casual conversation will likely confuse listeners and come across as showing off. Use 'the thing we need to explain' or 'the problem' instead.
The plural is 'explicanda', following the Latin neuter plural. Example: 'The researcher identified three main explicanda for her study.'
No, it is almost exclusively confined to academic philosophy, logic, and theoretical science. You will not encounter it in standard legal, business, or medical documents.