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.
And a look at Rossetti’s social media presence helps explain why.
From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026
You can always send a text the next day and explain.
From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026
“How do you clarify or explain the purpose of a ‘home theater?’
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
But it’s not clear if these explain disease patterns among Asian Americans in the United States.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2026
“We’ll explain, and then if you want to go back to the mountain, that’s your call. We can’t force you to be a criminal.”
From "Glitch" by Laura Martin
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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