Eclaircissement

/ˌɛkˌlɛɹˈsɪsmənt/ noun

Definition

A clarification or explanation that clears up confusion or makes something understandable.

Etymology

French noun form of 'éclaircir,' combining the verb with the suffix '-ment' (which creates nouns from verbs). It entered English through French literary and philosophical discourse in the 18th century.

Kelly Says

This fancy French word was beloved by Enlightenment thinkers who were obsessed with clarity and reason—they used it constantly to describe philosophical breakthroughs and the 'clearing away' of ignorance.

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