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View definitions for explain

explain

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Example Sentences

So don’t expect him to spout some hackneyed nostrums for success to explain an elixir-producing expedition that would make his Viking ancestors proud.

From Ozy

He explained that the memo with the standard was written on “deadline” and that critics “rightly saw this as a threat to our journalism,” said sources present at the meeting.

In a viral TikTok video, the Louisiana native explained that the adhesive in her hair wouldn’t budge after fifteen washes.

“Re-creating a scent is never enough,” said Dutch scent historian Caro Verbeek, explaining that together, storytelling and aroma can merge into a singularly powerful experience.

Police explained Wednesday morning that their investigation could take several weeks as detective dissect the crash scene, interview witnesses and await laboratory results.

A grand juror in the Ferguson case is suing to be able to explain exactly what went down in the courtroom.

I asked her to explain more about these “private customers.”

After the curtain calls, Christopher comes back to explain a complicated math problem.

The problem is, how do you find a movie narrative that can explain genius, British or otherwise?

Nothing can be explained without the language to explain it.

We stood staring after the fugitives in perfect bewilderment, totally unable to explain their apparently causeless panic.

How, then, are we to explain this extraordinary discrepancy between human power and resulting human happiness?

The pulse in Louis's temples beat hard; yet he was determined not to anticipate, but make Wharton explain himself.

Would it not be more advisable to write to the London house itself, and explain the object of his coming up?

Father Fochel of the Cathedral had attempted to explain it; but he had not done so to her satisfaction.

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When To Use

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.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

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