explain
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to make plain or clear; render understandable or intelligible.
to explain an obscure point.
- Synonyms:
- explicate
- Antonyms:
- confuse
-
to make known in detail.
to explain how to do something.
-
to assign a meaning to; interpret.
How can you explain such a silly remark?
-
to make clear the cause or reason of; account for.
I cannot explain his strange behavior.
- Synonyms:
- justify
verb (used without object)
verb phrase
verb
-
(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
-
(tr) to justify or attempt to justify (oneself) by giving reasons for one's actions or words
Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
- explainable adjective
- explainer noun
- explanator noun
- misexplained adjective
- nonexplainable adjective
- overexplain verb
- preexplain verb
- reexplain verb (used with object)
- unexplainable adjective
- unexplainably adverb
- unexplained adjective
- unexplaining adjective
- well-explained adjective
Etymology
Origin of explain
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
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When university researchers interviewed brides, they asked them to bring images of things that would explain their attitudes towards second-hand wedding dresses.
From BBC
It's not in the interests of big pharmaceuticals, he explains, to fund this process.
From BBC
Her last post on YouTube is a 34-minute video explaining why she did not deserve the "nepo kids" label, uploaded months ago.
From BBC
We're getting to the third or fourth generation of people who see very few stars - if any, she explains.
From BBC
“I understand everything, Mr. Donnelly, and I don’t need to have it explained to me. I live it.”
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
