What is the meaning of the term that refers to making something clear or easy to understand?

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $4.99 payment

Study for the SAT Vocabulary 2025 Test. Master vocabulary with flashcards and questions, each with detailed explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that means to make something clear or easy to understand is "elucidate." This word directly conveys the idea of shedding light on a subject, clarifying complex concepts, or providing illumination to thoughts that might otherwise be obscure or difficult to grasp. When someone elucidates a topic, they help others comprehend it more fully.

While "explain" is also a potential choice and does convey a similar meaning, it is more general and does not carry the same connotation of clarity and enlightenment that "elucidate" does. "Delineate" refers to outlining or describing something in detail, but it doesn't necessarily imply making it easier to understand. "Disseminate" pertains to spreading information or knowledge widely, but this does not focus on clarity or understanding. Thus, "elucidate" is the most precise term for the act of making something clear or easier to understand.