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 sister claims she does not have to explain herself to anyone.
From MarketWatch • May 25, 2026
“The sister claims she does not have to explain herself to anyone.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026
A simple beetroot juice routine may help explain one of the more surprising links in healthy aging: the connection between bacteria in the mouth and blood pressure.
From Science Daily • May 25, 2026
“And if you want something new, then you’ve got Raman, but she has to explain what exactly she wants to do.”
From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026
I wouldn’t know how to explain what’s been going on with Karly, and I wouldn’t want to, either.
From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler
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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