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General Discussion & Feedback => Just Chat! => Topic started by: Karen W. on 18/08/2008 19:39:57

Title: Doc, Why is The i in explain, dropped in the word explanation?
Post by: Karen W. on 18/08/2008 19:39:57

A spelling question if you will!

I always want to put the "i" back in it! Like this: "explaination"

It always looks wrong, but I still have to mentally correct my train

of thought with this word!

 Why is that?

Title: Doc, Why is The i in explain, dropped in the word explanation?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 19/08/2008 17:51:04

The same is true of words lke "maintain" and "maintenance". I don't know the reason.

Title: Doc, Why is The i in explain, dropped in the word explanation?
Post by: JnA on 20/08/2008 00:50:22

this is from an online etymology site

explanation Look up explanation at Dictionary.com
    1382, from L. explanationem noun of action from explanare "to make plain or clear, explain," lit. "make level, flatten," from ex- "out" + planus "flat" (see plane (1)). Originally explane, spelling altered by infl. of plain. The verb explain is first attested 1513.

Title: Doc, Why is The i in explain, dropped in the word explanation?
Post by: Karen W. on 20/08/2008 04:15:41

Thanks Doc... I never thought of maintain...and maintenance???

Title: Doc, Why is The i in explain, dropped in the word explanation?
Post by: Karen W. on 20/08/2008 04:22:41

Quote from: JnA on 20/08/2008 00:50:22

this is from an online etymology site

explanation Look up explanation at Dictionary.com
    1382, from L. explanationem noun of action from explanare "to make plain or clear, explain," lit. "make level, flatten," from ex- "out" + planus "flat" (see plane (1)). Originally explane, spelling altered by infl. of plain. The verb explain is first attested 1513.

Wow JnA...thank you for the history on this..That is  very interesting.....Question answered!

Title: Doc, Why is The i in explain, dropped in the word explanation?
Post by: rosalind dna on 20/08/2008 12:34:14

Karen and Dr Beaver
I think the reasons in the differences in spelling might be because in the US English, it's
spelt with the old-fashioned (phonetical) methods

The modern English in the UK.

US                            UK
Color                         Colour