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.
“When I explain why to people, they’re happy to pay what I ask them,” Flores said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
Researchers are now investigating whether shifts in the gut microbiome could help explain these benefits.
From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026
Suddenly he was asking his father, a former Microsoft engineer, to explain obscure Windows file formats.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026
Digital forensics researchers were quick to explain the "extra" finger: a trick of light that made part of his palm resemble an additional digit.
From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026
“And that would explain why I got a call at the beginning of one shift and the end of another,” I agree.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
