explain

verb
UK: /ɪkˈspleɪn/
US: /ɪkˈspleɪn/

  1. To make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it.

    1. Can you explain this word? I don't understand it now. [ ] [ ]
    2. The teacher had to explain the rules again because no one understood them. [ ] [ ]

  2. To give a reason for something; to justify an action or event.

    1. Can you explain why you were late? It is interesting. [ ] [ ]
    2. He tried to explain his strange behavior, but his excuses weren't believable. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

clarify define elucidate account for interpret justify describe
explain intransitive-verb

  1. To offer details or reasons about something to make it clearer.

    1. Let me explain: I need the money. [ ] [ ]
    2. I tried to explain, but she wouldn't listen to anything I said at all. [ ] [ ]
explain transitive-verb

  1. To account for; to be the reason for.

    1. That explains everything now! Great! [ ] [ ]
    2. The rain probably explains why the garden looks so green and lush. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "explain" in English means: To make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it., To give a reason for something; to justify an action or event..

The phonetic transcription of "explain" is /ɪkˈspleɪn/ in British English and /ɪkˈspleɪn/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "explain": clarify, define, elucidate, account for, interpret, justify, describe.

Example usage of "explain": "Can you explain this word? I don't understand it now.". More examples on the page.