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
- 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.
Although many questions remain, the findings help explain how errors in genome folding can lead to disease.
From Science Daily
Hagerman explained that this likely reflects more consistent tracking rather than increased food intake, since people often log their meals less reliably on weekends.
From Science Daily
"The low case numbers make it difficult to research the disease and present some obstacles in our urgent search for effective therapies," explains Markus Schuelke.
From Science Daily
Even as new signs of economic strain pile up, Federal Reserve officials are sticking to an upbeat forecast for growth, and they’re pointing to artificial intelligence to explain why.
From Barron's
Even as new signs of economic strain pile up, Federal Reserve officials are sticking to an upbeat forecast for growth, and they’re pointing to artificial intelligence to explain why.
From Barron's
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.
