erläutern
Translation
to explain, to illustrate, to elucidate
Examples
Können Sie das bitte näher erläutern?
Could you please explain that in more detail?
Er erläuterte seinen Plan mit einer Grafik.
He illustrated his plan with a graphic.
Grammar Patterns
((et4)) erläutern to explain sth. The professor explains the theory.
((j-m)) ((et4)) erläutern to explain sth. to sb. She explained the situation to me.
Similar Words
Synonyms: erklären, darlegen; Antonyms: verheimlichen, verwirren
Etymology
From er- (prefix) + lauter (clear, pure). The idea is to make something 'clear'. It is related to 'Leuchte' (lamp), so it means 'to illuminate' a topic.
Memory Tips
More formal than 'erklären'. Think of 'elucidate'. You are shedding light on a complex topic to make it clear.