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.
These findings help explain the clinical features observed in the children carrying the mutation.
From Science Daily
Sykes explained her reason for wearing the pin in an interview with Variety.
From Salon
"We've got what looks to be a corridor villa with two wings and a veranda running along the front," he explained.
From BBC
"In New York, it's called 'No Pants', but that means something different in London," where pants refers to underwear, explained Selkirk.
From Barron's
Current theories cannot fully explain this accelerating growth.
From Science Daily
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.