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 changes may help explain why dieting affects not only body size, but also food cravings, self control, and the drive to eat.
From Science Daily • May 31, 2026
Applications for foreign citizenship have reportedly exploded over the past couple of years, for reasons I hardly need to explain.
From Salon • May 31, 2026
But even its ardent supporters can’t explain why it works.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026
And while the hours and hours of practice certainly honed the sisters’ skills, their parents can’t explain where the girls got their immense physical gifts.
From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026
I couldn’t explain how to get through, I just followed the strengthening drumbeat and turned where it felt right—and it always was.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
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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