Explain Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
explain
[ษชkหspleษชn ]
Definitions
in conversation
Make (an idea, situation, or problem) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| explain |
Used in general contexts when you need to make something clear or understandable.
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| elucidate |
Used in more formal or academic contexts to make something clear by explaining it in detail.
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| clarify |
Best used when you need to make something less confused or more transparent, often where there has been misunderstanding.
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| expound |
Best used in formal contexts when explaining an idea or theory comprehensively.
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Examples of usage
- He explained the situation to me in great detail.
- Can you explain the rules one more time?
- She explained the reasons behind her decision.
in education
Make (an idea or theory) clear by describing it in detail or revealing relevant facts.
Synonyms
clarify, demonstrate, illustrate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| explain |
Used when someone needs to make something clear or understandable, often involves detailed information.
|
| clarify |
Used when someone needs to remove confusion or provide further details on a subject that is slightly unclear. It's often utilized to make something more transparent.
|
| demonstrate |
Used when someone needs to show how something works or illustrate it through actions or examples. Often involves a physical or visual component.
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| illustrate |
Used when someone needs to provide an example, often a visual one, to make something easier to understand. It can involve drawings, pictures, or detailed descriptions.
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Examples of usage
- The teacher explained the concept of photosynthesis to the students.
- He explained the theory of relativity in simple terms.
in education
A statement or account that makes something clear.
Synonyms
clarification, exposition, interpretation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| clarification |
Used when there is a need to make things more clear or accurate, usually when there is some misunderstanding or ambiguity.
|
| interpretation |
Used when explaining the meaning of something that is not immediately clear, often texts, data, or artwork.
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| exposition |
Used for a comprehensive description or explanation, often in written or formal discourse.
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Examples of usage
- Can you give me an explanation of how the experiment works?
- I need an explanation for why this happened.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Explaining concepts can enhance comprehension, making information stick better in our minds.
- Research shows that teaching others boosts your understanding, as it requires you to clarify your own thoughts.
Education
- Effective teaching often requires the ability to explain complex concepts in simple terms.
- Strategies like using analogies or storytelling can significantly improve learning by providing relatable examples.
Pop Culture
- In movies and TV shows, characters often explain their motives or background to help the audience connect emotionally.
- Famous quotes about explaining, like 'It's not that simple,' reflect the complexity humans face in understanding each other.
Science
- In scientific methods, explaining observations is crucial for forming hypotheses and conclusions.
- The clarity in explanations can lead to better collaboration in research, enhancing innovation and discovery.
Origin of 'explain'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'explanare,' which means 'to make plain or clear.'
- It has existed in the English language since the late 14th century, demonstrating its long-standing importance in communication.
The word 'explain' comes from the Latin word 'explanare', which means 'to make clear'. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century. The concept of explaining has always been crucial for communication and understanding. Throughout history, the ability to explain complex ideas has been valued in education, science, and everyday life.