explain

[ ik-spleyn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make plain or clear; render understandable or intelligible:

   to explain an obscure point.

   Synonyms: explicate

   Antonyms: confuse

2. to make known in detail:

   to explain how to do something.

3. to assign a meaning to; interpret:

   How can you explain such a silly remark?

4. to make clear the cause or reason of; account for:

   I cannot explain his strange behavior.

   Synonyms: justify

verb (used without object)

1. to give an explanation.

verb phrase

1. 1. to diminish or nullify the significance of by explanation:

      He couldn't explain away his absence from home at the time the robbery was committed.

   2. to dispel (doubts, difficulties, etc.) by explanation:

      She explained away the child's fears.

explain

/ ɪkˈspleɪn /

verb

1. when tr, may take a clause as object to make (something) comprehensible, esp by giving a clear and detailed account of the relevant structure, operation, surrounding circumstances, etc
2. tr to justify or attempt to justify (oneself) by giving reasons for one's actions or words

Derived Forms

• exˈplainable, adjective
• exˈplainer, noun

Other Words From

• ex·plaina·ble adjective
• ex·plainer ex·pla·na·tor [ek, -spl, uh, -ney-ter], noun
• misex·plained adjective
• nonex·plaina·ble adjective
• over·ex·plain verb
• preex·plain verb
• reex·plain verb (used with object)
• unex·plaina·ble adjective
• unex·plaina·bly adverb
• unex·plained adjective
• unex·plaining adjective
• well-ex·plained adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of explain¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English explanen, from Latin explānāre “to smooth out, make intelligible, spread out on flat surface”; ex- ¹, plane ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of explain¹

C15: from Latin explānāre to flatten, from plānus level

Example Sentences

"We now want to investigate these possibilities in more detail," explains Professor Gompel.

From Science Daily

Bahder, whose expertise traditionally involves detecting lethal bronzing in palm trees, explained that the fundamental process of molecular testing is similar across different organisms, with the main difference being the DNA sequence.

From Science Daily

"This could push glaciers into a new regime dominated by rain rather than snowfall," Troch explained.

From Science Daily

"Our research highlights the therapeutic potential of gut-specific peptides and offers a new, safe alternative to existing pain medications, particularly for those suffering from chronic gut disorders and abdominal pain," explains Muttenthaler.

From Science Daily

Because, as she explained to me, "I think I'm trying to play you. I want to be the character, but I want to be somebody that you go, 'Yeah, I do that.'"

From Salon

Related Words

• analyze
• clarify
• define
• demonstrate
• describe
• disclose
• expound
• illustrate
• interpret
• justify
• point out
• read
• resolve
• reveal
• solve
• spell out
• tell

When To Use

What are other ways to say explain?

To explain something is to make it plain or clear, or to render it understandable or intelligible. How does explain compare to synonyms elucidate, expound, and interpret? Find out on Thesaurus.com.