explain
Usage
What are other ways to say explain?
To explain is to make plain, clear, or intelligible something that is not known or understood: to explain a theory or a problem. To elucidate is to throw light on what before was dark and obscure, usually by illustration and commentary and sometimes by elaborate explanation: They asked him to elucidate his statement. To expound is to give a methodical, detailed, scholarly explanation of something, usually Scriptures, doctrines, or philosophy: to expound the doctrine of free will. To interpret is to give the meaning of something by paraphrase, by translation, or by an explanation based on personal opinion: to interpret a poem or a symbol.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In that time, the S&P 500 dropped as much as 1.6%, helping explain the mild volatility uptick.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
Actions by the world’s biggest oil producer—the U.S.—and its biggest importer—China—help explain this unexpected resilience.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
But Spielberg somehow makes you understand why Dreyfuss’ Roy Neary is willing to walk away from his entire life and family over something he can’t explain.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
This helps explain why he can’t disregard her criticism the way any normal person might shrug off slights from someone they don’t respect.
From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026
I tried to explain to him that Mr. Harris was a lot more than that.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
Vocabulary lists containing explain
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4
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