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.
The DIP, which was initially expected to be published in autumn 2025, will explain how new equipment and defence infrastructure will be funded over the coming decade.
From BBC • Jun. 18, 2026
They cluster under gravity and explain the motion of galaxies – which appear to orbit at unexpectedly high speeds – without needing any exotic new particles.
From Science Daily • Jun. 18, 2026
The first, crucial step was securing support for his appointment from elected politicians whose constituents are exasperated with inflation and the Fed’s apparent inability to date to explain what went wrong after 2021 and why.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026
That can’t all be attributed to climate change, as retired Dodger great Steve Garvey is going to explain in a minute.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026
“As fast as she made the noise with her hands or fingers, the sound was followed up in the room,” Mother would later explain.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
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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