explain

[ik-spleyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to make plain or clear; render understandable or intelligible.

   to explain an obscure point.

   Synonyms: explicate
   Antonyms: confuse

2. to make known in detail.

   to explain how to do something.

3. to assign a meaning to; interpret.

   How can you explain such a silly remark?

4. to make clear the cause or reason of; account for.

   I cannot explain his strange behavior.

   Synonyms: justify

verb (used without object)

1. to give an explanation.

verb phrase

1. explain away

   1. 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.

   2. to dispel (doubts, difficulties, etc.) by explanation.

      She explained away the child's fears.

explain

/ ɪkˈspleɪn /

verb

1. (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

2. (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

Word History and Origins

Origin of explain¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of explain¹

C15: from Latin explānāre to flatten, from plānus level

Example Sentences

The Snapchat account he's using explains at the top: "new account, old one banned".

From BBC

The head coach explained that part of the thinking was to match Denmark's physicality, recalling a chastening 2-0 defeat in Copenhagen in the last World Cup qualification campaign.

From BBC

“I wish I could explain in words how much I love that kind of stuff,” Slash says.

From Los Angeles Times

Ballmer couldn’t explain why Leonard did no marketing or endorsement work for Aspiration, telling Shelburne that he never spoke with the player about his deal with the company.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Rayner has explained publicly that, following recent allegations and speculation, and in order to assure herself of compliance with her obligations, she sought legal advice from leading tax Counsel.

From BBC

Related Words

• analyze 
• clarify 
• define 
• demonstrate 
• describe 
• disclose 
• expound 
• illustrate 
• interpret 
• justify 
• point out 
• read 
• resolve 
• reveal 
• solve 
• spell out 
• tell 

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.