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

So don’t expect him to spout some hackneyed nostrums for success to explain an elixir-producing expedition that would make his Viking ancestors proud.

From Ozy

He explained that the memo with the standard was written on “deadline” and that critics “rightly saw this as a threat to our journalism,” said sources present at the meeting.

From Washington Post

In a viral TikTok video, the Louisiana native explained that the adhesive in her hair wouldn’t budge after fifteen washes.

From Essence.com

“Re-creating a scent is never enough,” said Dutch scent historian Caro Verbeek, explaining that together, storytelling and aroma can merge into a singularly powerful experience.

From Washington Post

Police explained Wednesday morning that their investigation could take several weeks as detective dissect the crash scene, interview witnesses and await laboratory results.

From Washington Post

A grand juror in the Ferguson case is suing to be able to explain exactly what went down in the courtroom.

From The Daily Beast

I asked her to explain more about these “private customers.”

From The Daily Beast

After the curtain calls, Christopher comes back to explain a complicated math problem.

From The Daily Beast

The problem is, how do you find a movie narrative that can explain genius, British or otherwise?

From The Daily Beast

Nothing can be explained without the language to explain it.

From The Daily Beast

We stood staring after the fugitives in perfect bewilderment, totally unable to explain their apparently causeless panic.

From Project Gutenberg

How, then, are we to explain this extraordinary discrepancy between human power and resulting human happiness?

From Project Gutenberg

The pulse in Louis's temples beat hard; yet he was determined not to anticipate, but make Wharton explain himself.

From Project Gutenberg

Would it not be more advisable to write to the London house itself, and explain the object of his coming up?

From Project Gutenberg

Father Fochel of the Cathedral had attempted to explain it; but he had not done so to her satisfaction.

From Project Gutenberg

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.