What is Explain Like I’m Five (ELI5)?
"Explain like I'm five" or ELI5 is a popular internet shorthand that is used to ask for a simple, easy-to-understand explanation of a complex or technical topic. It is often used in online forums or discussion boards where people want to learn about a new topic or get help understanding a difficult concept.
The goal of ELI5 is to provide an explanation of a topic in a way that is accessible and understandable to someone who is five years old. This means using simple language, clear examples, and visual aids like diagrams or illustrations to help convey the information.
For example, if someone asks "ELI5: What is the internet?" an appropriate response might be: "The internet is like a big library where you can find lots of information and play games. You can use it to talk to your friends and learn new things. Think of it like a big neighborhood with lots of houses, and each house has information or games inside."
The idea behind ELI5 is that sometimes, people can get overwhelmed or frustrated by technical language or complex explanations, and breaking things down into simpler terms can help them better understand the topic. It is a way of making information accessible to a wider range of people, regardless of their level of technical knowledge.
Simplified Example
ELI5 is like having a teacher who explains things to you in a way that you can understand. Just like how your teacher might use simple words, fun examples, and pictures to help you learn about a new subject, ELI5 is a way of explaining complicated topics in a way that is easy to understand.
For example, imagine you are learning about how a car works. Your teacher might show you a picture of a car and explain each part using simple words, like calling the engine the "car's heart." This is like ELI5 - it's a way of breaking down complex information into smaller, easier-to-understand pieces.
Another way to think of ELI5 is like having a big puzzle. The puzzle has many pieces, and each piece represents a different part of a complicated topic. ELI5 helps you put the puzzle together by showing you one piece at a time and explaining what it means. This way, you can slowly build up a complete understanding of the topic, just like how you would complete a puzzle by putting the pieces together one by one.
In short, ELI5 is like having a kind and patient teacher who helps you understand complicated topics in a simple and fun way. Just like how you might learn about a new subject in school, ELI5 makes it possible for you to learn about anything you want, in a way that is easy and accessible.
History of the Term "Explain like I'm five"
The origins of the phrase "Explain like I'm five" (ELI5) are somewhat unclear, but it is thought to have surfaced in the early to mid-2000s, aligning with the proliferation of online forums and social media platforms. Swiftly gaining popularity, the phrase became a go-to expression for seeking straightforward and uncomplicated explanations of intricate subjects.
Examples
What is blockchain technology? ELI5: Think of a blockchain as a big, public notebook that everyone can see and write in. Whenever someone writes in the notebook, everyone can see what was written and no one can change it. This is how the information on a blockchain is kept safe and secure.
What is photosynthesis? ELI5: Photosynthesis is like a magic show that plants do. They take in sunshine, water, and air, and turn it into food! Just like a magician turns a rabbit into a hat, plants turn sunshine, water, and air into food. This is how plants grow and stay alive.
What is gravity? ELI5: Gravity is like a big hug from the Earth. Everything on Earth is being pulled down toward the center of the planet, just like you might be pulled down into a big hug from your mom or dad. This is what makes things fall to the ground and keeps us stuck to the Earth.