51Թ

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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 51Թ 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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51Թ 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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51Թ 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.

A former Bridgewater State University and East Celebrity Elite squad cheerleader, Hudson competed for Miss Maine USA the last two years and explained why on social media.

From

The difference is explained by net migration out of California of around 7,000 people.

From

That unfortunate truth helps explain why we’re struggling to take action on climate change.

From

“SLAPP strategy isn’t to win. The plaintiffs don’t intend to win. The point is to intimidate, to bleed opponents dry, that’s what Trump is doing,” Stern explained.

From

In his interview with Northumbria Police, Mr Graham said he did not have the skill or expertise to fell a large tree, although he later explained the technique to officers, a jury has heard.

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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expiscateexplain away