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
Derived Forms
-
explainableadjective
-
unexplainableadjective
-
explainernoun
-
well-explainedadjective
-
unexplainablyadverb
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unexplainingadjective
-
misexplainedadjective
-
preexplainverb
-
unexplainedadjective
-
explanatornoun
-
nonexplainableadjective
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reexplainverb (used with object)
-
overexplainverb
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
have explainedperfect
-
has explainedperfect 3rd person singular
-
am explainingprogressive 1st person singular
-
has been explainingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
-
are explainingprogressive
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have been explainingperfect progressive
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is explainingprogressive 3rd person singular
-
explainingparticiple
-
explainssingular 3rd person
Past
-
had explainedperfect
-
were explainingprogressive plural
-
had been explainingperfect progressive
-
was explainingprogressive singular
-
explainedparticiple
-
explainedsimple
Future
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”; see origin at ex- 1, plane 1
Explanation
To explain something is to define it, show how it works, or just tell what it is. Explaining helps people understand. If you know football really well, then you could probably explain it to a non-fan. Explaining makes things clearer. A lot of teaching is explaining — telling how something works. Also, if you do something wrong, people will ask you to explain your actions. Explaining can help someone "get it" — whatever "it" is.
Vocabulary lists containing explain
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4
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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.
“How do you clarify or explain the purpose of a ‘home theater?’
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
Sutton Council said it had not welcomed the increase, and called on the EA and the government to "answer the very real concerns of the community and explain this terrible decision".
From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026
It called on the MoD to explain how the current operating restrictions were realistic and appropriate.
From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026
But it’s not clear if these explain disease patterns among Asian Americans in the United States.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026
She doesn’t understand why I need this day and I’m not going to explain it to her.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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.
