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
-
unexplainingadjective
-
misexplainedadjective
-
preexplainverb
-
unexplainedadjective
-
explanatornoun
-
nonexplainableadjective
-
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
-
have been explainingperfect progressive
-
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)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
If the company insists that this is a separate problem, ask them to explain why a toilet that functioned one way before the repair and another way immediately afterward should attract a second diagnostic fee.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
The results showed that limited dispersal caused by asexual reproduction could explain why early animal ecosystems contained relatively few species.
From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026
“I had to ask ChatGPT to explain block theory to me,” he says.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
In her speech, Badenoch is expected to say: "We are going to scrap this duty altogether. We do not need to replace it. We need to explain to people that they should do their jobs."
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
“Did he explain what he meant when he said that time was running out? Do you know what he would have done if you hadn’t found him?”
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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.
