Here's why:
* "Elu-" isn't a standard prefix in English.
* "-ate" is a common suffix, but it's not used in a way that clearly separates it from the base word.
The root word is "lucid" which means "clear" or "easily understood."
The word "elucidate" is formed by adding the prefix "e-" and the suffix "-ate" to the root word "lucid". The prefix "e-" is used to create a verb from a noun or adjective. The suffix "-ate" is used to create a verb from a noun or adjective.
So, while there isn't a distinct prefix and suffix like in words like "unhappy" (un- prefix, -y suffix), "elucidate" is essentially built by adding components to its root word "lucid" to create a verb meaning "to make clear or understandable."