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explain
[ik-spleyn]
verb (used with object)
to make plain or clear; render understandable or intelligible.
to explain an obscure point.
Synonyms:Antonyms: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:
verb (used without object)
to give an explanation.
verb phrase
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.
explain
/ ɪˈɪ /
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
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
- ˈԲ adjective
- ˈԱ noun
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of explain1
Example Sentences
The agency did not explain what is meant by targeted enforcement.
She explained she had just finished showering and needed to get dressed, as well as wake up her kids.
"It was difficult for us because we need the noise of the stadium," he explains.
"All of those military lessons we have learned, we have tried to make them routine in our civilian practices," explained trauma specialist Dr Justine Lee, who served in the Army for 18 years.
"This is about, of course, the changed security situation in North Atlantic and the Arctic," he explains.
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Related Words
When To Use
are other ways to sayexplain?
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.
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