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:
I explain that I trust these experts over someone without a lot of experience.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
"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
Before lawmakers, he returned again and again to one number—63 months, the length of time inflation has run above the Fed’s 2% target—to explain why so much needs re-examining.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
The discovery may help explain why people living in similar environments can face very different cancer risks.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 27, 2026
I need to give her a chance to explain first.
From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler
Gathered around a rectangular table, he announced his plan: five panels of outside experts would spend the next few months examining how the Fed reads the economy and explains itself.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026
The BBC's cost of living correspondent Kevin Peachey explains what to do if you're planning a trip to an area affected by wildfires.
From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026
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
“All of our parents are very nice, except one,” Celia explains to me.
From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko
"When that happens, the only thing we can do is be patient. They're trying to provoke a fight or create a confrontation. They want to see how long we'll tolerate it," Mohideen explained.
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
And if the management team of an otherwise strong company can “manage expectations” properly, an otherwise good growth story can become an even better one, Nelson explained during an interview with MarketWatch.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 27, 2026
Dolphins and whales "are going to follow their food, and so we're seeing less sightings," Lesser explained.
From Barron's ● Jul. 27, 2026
“The older you get, the more the past and the present are all mixed up in your brain,” Uncle Alf patiently explained.
From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney
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
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
"The next step has to be even better," Terekh said, explaining she wants Fire Point's next public appearance to make a big impact.
From Barron's ● Jul. 24, 2026
“They have had to do a lot of explaining in D.C.,”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026
The class set to work, writing to the editor, explaining that the story he published about the mouse exhibit was not true.
From "Ralph S. Mouse" by Beverly Cleary
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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