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View synonyms for

explain

[ ik-spleyn ]

verb (used with object)

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

    to explain an obscure point.

    Synonyms:

    Antonyms:

  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:



verb (used without object)

  1. to give an explanation.

verb phrase

    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

/ ɪˈɪ /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈԲ, adjective
  • ˈԱ, noun
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Other yvlog 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
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of explain1

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English explanen, from Latin “to smooth out, make intelligible, spread out on flat surface”; ex- 1, plane 1
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yvlog History and Origins

Origin of explain1

C15: from Latin to flatten, from Գܲ level
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Gary/Greg is revealed to have a connection to the GM or the owner, which explains his easy access.

From

"Criminality is around these guys," he says, explaining that they get picked up off the street and promised they're going to be looked after.

From

"It was made with a thin, greyish pastry which had been spread with red jam before being loosely rolled up and presented flattened and in the shape and size of a small baby," she explains.

From

The “Pitch Perfect” star explained that the rare condition, which singer Celine Dion has famously been battling in recent years, makes the muscles so tight that a person ultimately can no longer walk or move.

From

“Coming-of-age tropes and horror go hand in hand, because horror is always about discovering another world, and coming-of-age stories are indeed also about discovering a new world,” he explains.

From

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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 .

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