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

Essex Police would only receive help from the government if costs topped £4m, the Conservative explained, meaning the force had to swallow the bill it faced.

From BBC

He decides to confront the trolls and makes a video explaining his condition.

From BBC

The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, has now spoken about her ordeal and explained that they had been in a casual relationship for about a month.

From BBC

She said officers investigating Lecka's actions were shocked by "Roksana's lack of accountability and her inability to explain her unjustifiable actions".

From BBC

There’s also an expectation, Williams explained, that women have more soft skills, like empathy and morale-building, which people hope will save them in a crisis.

From Salon

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.