阐明

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 老师阐明了这条规则的含义。▶ —
   The teacher clarified the meaning of this rule.
2. 报告阐明了改革的目的。▶ —
   The report clarified the purpose of the reform.

Collocations

Mnemonic

阐 chǎn "to elucidate, open up" + 明 míng "bright, clear": to elucidate until clear, i.e. to clarify, to expound clearly. Korean renders it as "to clarify, to make plain". Bringing a once-vague principle, stance or meaning into clear light (阐明立场 to clarify one’s position). Compared with 论述 (to discuss and set forth), 阐明 focuses on making something clear. 阐 means "to elucidate, open" (阐述, 阐发); 明 means "bright, clear" (明确, 明白).

Related

Quick check

1. What is the focus of 阐明 versus 论述?

   • making the vague clear (clarification)
   • listing reasons at length
   • expressing emotion
   • summarizing briefly