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Synonyms

explain

American  
[ik-spleyn] / ɪkˈspleɪn /

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 British  
/ 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

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

  • 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

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”; ex- 1, plane 1

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.

Reached on her cell Aug. 29, Kilgannon said she had no comment and hung up before O’Matz could explain what we planned to publish about her and her work.

From Salon

"Well, that's the actual quote, me and my mum heard it on the radio once. And actually, my brother met the woman who said it," Róis explained.

From BBC

Megan, who is decorating her biscuit with icing, explained: "I have loads of practice because me and my mum and dad bake at home."

From BBC

In an interview with Variety, the Canadian author explained that a Parkinson's expert contacted her after hearing about her diagnosis in a publicity interview for the series.

From BBC

That distinction—form over size—helps explain why China’s economy looks weak in the headline data yet more resilient beneath the surface.

From Barron's