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.
This is me trying my best to explain hockey without getting an angry phone call from Don Cherry or Mark Messier.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
And that helps to explain why Americans are so resistant to paying more for goods and services and helping, in an unintended way, to keep a cap on inflation.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
The BBC has asked West to clarify whether he spoke to An before the alleged action took place on set, to explain his plan or ask for her permission, but has not received a response.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
The results showed that limited dispersal caused by asexual reproduction could explain why early animal ecosystems contained relatively few species.
From Science Daily • Jun. 10, 2026
I wanted to thank him for that, but I didn’t want to explain.
From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows
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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