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 filmmakers got current members to talk, though mostly they try to explain away everything unsavory.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
Tariffs and oil tankers don’t explain four decades of teenagers walking away from jobs they could have had.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
And a look at Rossetti’s social media presence helps explain why.
From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026
“How do you clarify or explain the purpose of a ‘home theater?’
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 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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