阐述 (chǎnshù)

阐述 means to elaborate or expound on something at length, presenting ideas systematically and in detail. Unlike 阐明 which focuses on achieving clarity, 阐述 emphasizes the process of detailed explanation. It is a highly formal term used in academic writing, speeches, and official presentations where thorough exposition is expected.

Meanings

[v] to elaborate; to expound; to set forth in detail
[v] to explain thoroughly; to present (a viewpoint or theory) systematically

Example Sentences

他在学术会议上详细阐述了自己的最新研究成果。 Tā zài xuéshù huìyì shàng xiángxì chǎnshùle zìjǐ de zuìxīn yánjiū chéngguǒ. He elaborated on his latest research findings in detail at the academic conference.

这部著作系统阐述了马克思主义政治经济学的基本原理。 Zhè bù zhùzuò xìtǒng chǎnshùle mǎkèsīzhǔyì zhèngzhì jīngjìxué de jīběn yuánlǐ. This work systematically expounds the basic principles of Marxist political economy.

答辩委员会要求申请人就研究方法作进一步阐述。 Dábèn wěiyuánhuì yāoqiú shēnqǐngrén jiù yánjiū fāngfǎ zuò jìnyībù chǎnshù. The defense committee asked the applicant to further elaborate on the research methodology.

外交部长就中方立场向媒体作了详尽阐述。 Wàijiāo bùzhǎng jiù zhōngfāng lìchǎng xiàng méitǐ zuòle xiángjìn chǎnshù. The foreign minister gave a detailed exposition of China's position to the media.

论文第三章阐述了实验设计的理论基础与操作步骤。 Lùnwén dì sān zhāng chǎnshùle shíyàn shèjì de lǐlùn jīchǔ yǔ cāozuò bùzhòu. Chapter three of the thesis elaborates on the theoretical foundation and operational steps of the experimental design.

她在报告中阐述了当前经济形势对中小企业的深远影响。 Tā zài bàogào zhōng chǎnshùle dāngqián jīngjì xíngshì duì zhōngxiǎo qǐyè de shēnyuǎn yǐngxiǎng. She elaborated in her report on the far-reaching impact of the current economic situation on small and medium enterprises.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
详细阐述	to elaborate in detail
系统阐述	to expound systematically
阐述观点	to expound one's views
进一步阐述	to further elaborate

Usage Notes

阐述 belongs to the formal written register and is common in academic papers, government reports, and conference presentations. The key distinction from 阐明 (chǎnmíng) is one of process versus result: 阐述 stresses the act of detailed exposition, while 阐明 stresses the outcome of achieving clarity. 阐述 is also more neutral — it does not necessarily imply that the topic was previously obscure.

A common grammatical pattern is 就…作出阐述 or 就…进行阐述 (to elaborate on the topic of…). Its object is typically a viewpoint, theory, principle, or research finding. 阐述 differs from 描述 (miáoshù) in that 描述 describes observable phenomena, while 阐述 explains abstract ideas.

Memory Hook

阐 (to open up, explain) + 述 (to narrate, to recount): "opening up a topic and narrating it fully" — systematic, detailed exposition.