Explain: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in general contexts when you need to make something clear or understandable.

• Can you explain the homework to me? She explained the rules of the game

Used in more formal or academic contexts to make something clear by explaining it in detail.

• The professor elucidated the difficult concept
• She elucidated her point with several examples

Best used when you need to make something less confused or more transparent, often where there has been misunderstanding.

• Could you clarify what you mean by that? He clarified the company's policy on leave

Best used in formal contexts when explaining an idea or theory comprehensively.

• He expounded on the theory of relativity
• The author expounded the principles of good writing in her lecture

Used when someone needs to make something clear or understandable, often involves detailed information.

• Can you explain the process of photosynthesis to the class?
• She explained the new policy to the employees patiently.

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.

• Could you clarify what you mean by 'effective immediately'?
• He asked the professor to clarify the assignment guidelines.

Used when someone needs to show how something works or illustrate it through actions or examples. Often involves a physical or visual component.

• The instructor will demonstrate how to use the new software.
• She demonstrated her cooking techniques during the class.

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.

• The teacher used a diagram to illustrate the concept of a food chain.
• This book illustrates the various stages of plant growth.

Used when there is a need to make things more clear or accurate, usually when there is some misunderstanding or ambiguity.

• I asked for clarification on the instructions
• He offered some clarification to resolve the confusion

Used when explaining the meaning of something that is not immediately clear, often texts, data, or artwork.

• Her interpretation of the poem was unique
• The scientist provided an interpretation of the results

Used for a comprehensive description or explanation, often in written or formal discourse.

• The book begins with an exposition of the main ideas
• Her exposition on the topic was very enlightening