Hello Tony, Explanation: Is a statement that makes something comprehensible by clarifying its structure or circumstances removing any ambiguity or unclearness. An explanation is characterized by simplifying an intricate difficult context or by adding up to it with different means such as giving examples. What I am doing right now is for example an explanation of those terms. It might be short or long depending on the context and requirements. **Synonyms : accomplishment, answer, clarification , definition, description,criticism, meaning , it is called also simply "the why" because sometimes it defines the cause of something. Criticism: A serious examination of something followed by an evaluation ( could be positive or negative). Constructive criticism is always positive even if it points out faults because it aims for a betterment in general. **Synonyms could be : reflection, estimation , comment , critique,review, write-up . Comment: Might be in the form of an explanation or a criticism written or oral added to any textual or spoken material. It is a note or remark expressing one's opinion or point of view. It is closer to an explanation in case it explains and elaborates to the written material, while it resembles a criticism if it finds fault with the written text or point out flaws. In all cases it is distinguishable from criticism and explanations by their size ( shorter and abrupt as Erik mentioned). ** Synonyms :assertion ,criticism,remark,observation,affirmation,phrase, opinion. Notice its synonym "phrase" confirms its shortness. Illustration: Is a presentation (usually visual one ) to make some subject easier to understand. It often uses examples to show the meaning.An explanation could include illustrations and be synonym with it. The main characteristic of illustration is the clarification by giving an example and a visual demonstration. **Synonyms: explanation ,representation,exemplar.

comment = positive or negative; usually short Ex.: "I like your shirt." Ex.: "I don't like that shirt." explanation = adding more information or giving a reason; usually a bit longer Ex.: "I am late because there was an accident on the highway." Ex.: "I'm sorry I was unkind to you yesterday. Things have been hard at work and I am just worried about being layed-off." criticism = pointing out something negative or something that needs correction; short or long Ex.: "Your hair looks silly dyed blue." Ex.: "If you want more friends, you will have to be more friendly yourself."

"Between" is the comparision of two different things. For example: between you and me. "Among" is more than two. For example: among these students (the number of the students are more than two) The meanings of comment,explanation,criticism and illustration can be found in the dictionary - they are very easy to understand.