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. explain away

   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

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

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

She explained the alternative option was for her to "discharge" the jury from giving a verdict in the case of Ms Gonzalez, which she did.

Read more on BBC

"The impact of all this on yourself and your family is often difficult to explain to people who haven't experienced it themselves."

Read more on Barron's

"Will explain more when I get home but absolutely gutted," he said.

Read more on BBC

The question of financing has troubled investors, who are hoping Oracle can explain exactly how much capital it needs for data center projects like its Stargate plan with OpenAI.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"Even when I specifically explained that I had an eye condition and to leave my face alone; it couldn't compute," she says.

Read more on BBC

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.