explicativo

Explicativo is an adjective used in Spanish and Portuguese to describe something that provides explanations or clarifications. The term derives from Latin explicare, meaning to unfold or explain, and entered the languages through historical use in academic and didactic writing. In both languages, explicativo functions mainly as a descriptor for texts, media, or methods whose primary purpose is to clarify a concept, process, or phenomenon.

In educational and communicative contexts, explicativo is commonly applied to “texto explicativo” or “sección explicativa”—genres that present a definition, features, causes, effects, steps, or exemplification to foster understanding. It is closely related to but distinct from expositivo or informativo speech and writing, since the emphasis is on explanation as opposed to narrative or persuasive aims.

Typical features include a clear, objective register, logical organization, and a focus on mechanisms and relations. Explanatory content often uses definitional statements, cause‑effect sequences, comparisons, and examples, and is frequently accompanied by diagrams, illustrations, or tables. Connectors such as porque, por ejemplo, o en consecuencia help describe relations and consequences.

In practice, explicativo material appears in textbooks, science communication, user guides, and explainer videos. Although different genres may share overlap, a text labeled explicativo prioritizes clarity of explanation and step-by-step clarification of how something works or why it happens.