by Mignon Fogarty
Every time I go to write “explanation,” I think it should have an “i,” like “explain.” You use an explanation to explain something, right? They should have the same root and be spelled the same way, right?
A Shared Root: Explanare
It turns out that “explain” and “explanation” do share the Latin root “explanare,” which means “to make clear,” “to smooth out,” and “to level.” (It’s also related to the word “plane.”)
A Wayward Son
The spelling of “explane” morphed over time to become “explain,” but “explanation” didn’t undergo the same transformation.
Think of it this way: Even though the words are like brothers, one of the two was more adventurous, going his own way in the world, while the more conservative son stayed home and took care of the farm. The Online Etymology Dictionary says “explane” changed its spelling because of the influence of “plain.” Apparently, even words can be corrupted by the influence of troublesome friends.
From now on, I’ll think of that “i” in the “explain” as a rebellious mohawk haircut meant to rankle “explanation,” the steadfast brother left behind.
Sources
1. “explain.” Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/explain (accessed: February 05, 2013).
2. “explain.” Dictionary.com. Online Etymology Dictionary. Douglas Harper, Historian. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/explain (accessed: February 05, 2013).
2. “explain.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary, online edition. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explain (accessed February 5, 2013)
2. “explanation.” Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/explanation (accessed: February 05, 2013).
3. “explanate.” Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc.http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/explanate (accessed: February 05, 2013).
Explain photo from Shutterstock.
