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View synonyms for explain

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. 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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • exˈplainable, adjective
  • exˈplainer, noun
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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
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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
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Word History and Origins

Origin of explain1

C15: from Latin explānāre to flatten, from plānus level
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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.

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

“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.

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

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

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

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

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

Nothing can be explained without the language to explain it.

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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expiscateexplain away