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

The researchers' results so far suggest that the biopesticide works by modifying the activity of a key detoxification enzyme in mosquitoes, essentially turning the insects' detox systems against them -- which would explain why the biopesticide has such a strong synergy with chemical pesticides.

From Science Daily

Strangio, the first openly transgender person to argue at SCOTUS, had to explain to Kavanaugh that people sometimes regret getting treatments “in all areas of medicine,” not just with respect to gender-related care.

From Slate

Justice Sonia Sotomayor was compelled to explain the anguish and suffering of kids denied medical care, describing one child whose gender dysphoria made him throw up every day and go “almost mute.”

From Slate

When a nominee puts his mother on Fox News to explain that contrary to what you read in the news, she thinks her son is great, the nomination could be deep into its twilight.

From Slate

"The focus on mammoths helps explain how Clovis people could spread throughout North America and into South America in just a few hundred years," said co-lead author James Chatters of McMaster University.

From Science Daily

Related Words

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