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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
Derived Forms
- ˈԲ, adjective
- ˈԱ, noun
Other Word Forms
- ·a· adjective
- ·İ ··Բ·ٴǰ [ek, -spl, uh, -ney-ter], noun
- e·Ա adjective
- non·a· adjective
- v·· verb
- e· verb
- e· verb (used with object)
- un·a· adjective
- ܲe·a· adverb
- ܲe·Ա adjective
- ܲe·iԲ adjective
- ɱ-·Ա adjective
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of explain1
Example Sentences
"Especially if you've got local councils and district councils and all sorts and the county council as well, I think it's just difficult for people to know why it feels relevant to them," she explained.
The prosecution will not be suggesting a specific motive, she explained.
It's also likely to become faster, cheaper and easier to do, explains Dr Brown, meaning it will become available to more patients rather than just a small number who are severely unwell.
Then Howard, who has been married four times, to three different women, decided to explain why he also didn’t play the twice-married “Sexual Healing” singer.
Tuppence Middleton explains what it's like living with obsessive, compulsive disorder and emetophobia - a fear of vomiting.
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Related Words
When To Use
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 .
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