Elucidate

v.thoughtful, capableformal

What it means

To make a difficult idea clear and understandable.

Reach for it when praising an explanation that reveals how something works or means

A small diagram helped elucidate the relationship between the two systems.

playful
spell out
when every step or implication should be stated directly
not when The phrasal verb can sound impatient or patronizing.
everyday
explain
when plain neutral wording is best
not when An explanation can remain unclear and lacks elucidate's successful-lighting implication.
warm
shed light on
when partial insight rather than full explanation is claimed
not when The phrase is less decisive and may leave key relationships unresolved.
professional
clarify
when removing ambiguity is the central task
not when Clarify may only resolve one confusing point rather than illuminate the whole subject.
professional
unpack
when a dense idea is separated into understandable parts
not when Unpack is common academic jargon and can sound mechanical.
formal
expound
when a subject needs detailed, authoritative treatment
not when Expound emphasizes length and development, not successful clarity.
literary
illuminate
when insight reveals a previously hidden aspect
not when Illuminate can offer perspective without systematically explaining the mechanics.

elucidate a concept
The model helps elucidate a concept that prose alone leaves abstract.
elucidate the relationship
Further evidence may elucidate the relationship between sleep and recovery.
seek to elucidate
The footnotes seek to elucidate rather than interrupt the argument.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.