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

As The Post explained, experts have suspected that the COVID-19 pandemic could have contributed to the rise in deaths, in addition to the abortion ban the state passed in the second half of 2021.

From Salon

Most orange cats are boys, a quirk of feline genetics that also explains why almost all calicos and tortoiseshells are girls.

From Science Magazine

When fully set out, her cap would "explain how you get to those numbers".

From BBC

This lack of screening for cardiometabolic conditions likely explains previous observations that fewer patients received preventive prescriptions, like drugs to lower blood pressure, during the pandemic.

From Science Daily

“I stopped thinking and I stopped having a connection with my brain,” explained Mr. Leleu, his short, wiry body weaving from side to side as he spoke.

From New York Times

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.