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

They said he had initially been asked his views in a private meeting of Labour MPs, but once that leaked, he felt it necessary to explain publicly why he had come to his opinion.

From BBC

He will explain that the UK is not alone in having this problem, which he says also affects other parts of Europe, but notes that the US has "a better story to tell".

From BBC

“I felt just awful. I remember racking my brain because I didn’t know what to do. I often explain that autism for me feels like everyone read this social skills rule book except for me, but I’m still expected to take the test. At that moment, I felt at a loss.”

From Los Angeles Times

Baum, who also teaches at the University of Southern California, added: "I said to my class, 'Explain this girl to me. She's not pretty, she can't act. Why is she so hot?' Nobody had an answer."

From BBC

As the annual tradition of pre-holidays “cuffing season” begins, “I’m finding people in my generation don’t even know what that is. I’m trying to explain it to them,” she says of the dating trend.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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