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.
If the company insists that this is a separate problem, ask them to explain why a toilet that functioned one way before the repair and another way immediately afterward should attract a second diagnostic fee.
From MarketWatch • 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
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
“I had to ask ChatGPT to explain block theory to me,” he says.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
If anything, it’s them he’s gonna need to explain himself to.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
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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