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.
See Examples For:
"The information I received was that there would be none," he said, adding that consular staff said they would explain his criminal record and itinerary to the UK Border Force.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
I explain that I trust these experts over someone without a lot of experience.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
America’s first permanent federal bankruptcy law, enacted in 1898, was designed for businesses, but individuals discovered its benefits, as Mary Eschelbach Hansen and Bradley A. Hansen explain in “Bankrupt in America.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
The ambivalence among advisers’ views may help explain why they do not appear to have much impact on their clients.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
It wasn’t until we were back home that afternoon that I had a chance to sit Karl down and explain all about Lizzie, and her elephant story.
From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo
The 40-year Treasury-bond bull market rested on three supports, and almost nobody explains all three, because each belongs to a different tribe of economists.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
Instead of handing over the actual text, the AI pulls out key ideas and explains them in simpler language -- something Yang thinks could be huge for students.
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
"Primark is known for that impulse nature," she explains.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
This explains the outcry over the Securities and Exchange Commission’s proposal to make quarterly reporting voluntary and allow semiannual reporting instead.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026
“Educated guesses at what a particular block of cipher text might actually mean,” Welchman explains.
From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
For reasons that have not been explained, authorities did not charge Quintero with Franco’s murder until 2025.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
"I'd explained to her that knitting was the only thing helping my mother through the grief, it was giving her something to live for... It was just cruel."
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
The light-bodied red, Passeggiata, he explained, was a rosé gone wrong when winemakers forgot to remove the grapes’ skins at the correct time.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026
He sold the bonds — quietly, over nine months — and explained himself afterward.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
"Frank needs water," she had explained to Sam.
From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry
A single physically consistent theory capable of explaining both Jupiter's and Saturn's moon systems could also help scientists understand planets and moons outside the Solar System.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 27, 2026
"I never said I was making a rock album," Charli posted on Instagram, explaining that the song was really about her relationship with the Brat album.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
Lan Lam leads this ‘America’s Test Kitchen’ spinoff that blends recipes with food science, explaining the logic behind culinary tips in accessible terms.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026
Dodger utility man Kiké Hernandez said he wasn’t going, either, explaining that he was busy rehabbing an injury.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026
“I couldn’t see just how to break it to them by explaining that I ‘own’ a heavyweight prizefighter, so I figured I would maybe wait until tonight.
From "Lawn Boy" by Gary Paulsen
Vocabulary lists containing explain
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
