Nonexplanatory

Nonexplanatory describes something that lacks the ability to explain, clarify, or provide an understanding of a phenomenon, concept, or situation. It signifies the absence of explanatory power, leaving the subject matter obscure, ambiguous, or requiring further elaboration. This term often applies to information, theories, or statements that fail to elucidate the 'why' or 'how' of something, hindering comprehension rather than assisting it. It can also refer to a style of writing or presentation that is intentionally evasive or lacks the necessary detail to make its point clear. In essence, 'nonexplanatory' indicates a failure to illuminate or make something understandable.

Nonexplanatory meaning with examples

• The professor's lecture, filled with complex jargon and vague analogies, was ultimately nonexplanatory for the students struggling with the core concepts. They left the class more confused than when they arrived, finding the lecture missed key explanations. The lack of clear examples and definitions rendered the material impenetrable, preventing the formation of real understanding of its core elements.
• The cryptic note left on the victim's desk was entirely nonexplanatory, offering no clues to the perpetrator or their motives. Law enforcement spent days deciphering its abstract symbols, the cryptic text leaving them with more questions than answers. The ambiguous message provided no discernible purpose, hindering any attempts to piece together the crime scene and establish a course of investigation.
• The artist's statement about their abstract painting was deliberately nonexplanatory, prompting more questions than answers about its meaning. Critics debated the artistic merit of the non-clarity, as some praised the mystery while others deemed it pretentious. The artist favored evocative imagery over explicit narration, leaving the interpretation entirely to the viewer to comprehend the painting on their own terms.
• The scientific report's statistical analysis, while rigorous, was ultimately nonexplanatory regarding the underlying mechanisms of the observed effects. It detailed correlations but provided no insight into causation, leaving the source open for interpretation and uncertainty. The data pointed towards an association, but offered no logical reasoning for the observed effect. The missing rationale frustrated experts who required more explanation.