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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On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.
Origin of explain
OTHER WORDS FROM explain
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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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