explain
[ ik-spleyn ]
/ ɪkˈspleɪn /
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verb (used with object)
to make plain or clear; render understandable or intelligible: to explain an obscure point.
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.
verb (used without object)
to give an explanation.
Verb Phrases
explain away,
- 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.
- to dispel (doubts, difficulties, etc.) by explanation: She explained away the child's fears.
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Origin of explain
OTHER WORDS FROM explain
Words nearby explain
expiratory stridor, expire, expired gas, expiry, expiscate, explain, explain away, explainer, explain oneself, explanate, explanation
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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.
Example sentences from the Web for explain
British Dictionary definitions for explain
explain
/ (ɪkˈspleɪn) /
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
Derived forms of explain
explainable, adjectiveexplainer, nounWord Origin for explain
C15: from Latin explānāre to flatten, from plānus level
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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