explicativas

Explicativas is the feminine plural form of explicativa, a term used in Spanish and Portuguese to denote elements that explain or clarify. In grammar and linguistics, explicativas refer to devices that add non-essential information to a statement or to a noun, helping to illuminate meaning without changing the reference.

In grammar, the concept is most often associated with explanations versus restrictions. Oraciones explicativas, also called non-restrictive or non-essential clauses, provide additional detail about a noun or pronoun and are usually set off by commas. For example: “El libro, que fue publicado en 2020, ganó varios premios.” Here the relative clause “que fue publicado en 2020” explains but is not necessary to identify the book. By contrast, oraciones especificativas (restrictive clauses) supply essential information that defines which entity is being referred to: “El libro que ganó el premio fue publicado en 2020.”

In editorial and lexicographic contexts, explicativas appear as notes or glosses that clarify terms, etymologies, or concepts. Such explanations help readers understand unfamiliar or technical information within a text, without altering the primary narrative.

The distinction between explicativas and especificativas is taught in language education to aid precise communication. Recognizing whether a clause is explanatory or restrictive affects punctuation and interpretation across Spanish and Portuguese.