Explain: meaning, definitions and examples

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explain

 

[ ɪkˈspleɪn ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

in conversation

Make (an idea, situation, or problem) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts.

Synonyms

clarify, elucidate, expound

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.
Context #2 | Verb

in education

Make (an idea or theory) clear by describing it in detail or revealing relevant facts.

Synonyms

clarify, demonstrate, illustrate

Examples of usage

  • The teacher explained the concept of photosynthesis to the students.
  • He explained the theory of relativity in simple terms.
Context #3 | Noun

in education

A statement or account that makes something clear.

Synonyms

clarification, exposition, interpretation

Examples of usage

  • Can you give me an explanation of how the experiment works?
  • I need an explanation for why this happened.

Translations

Translations of the word "explain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 explicar

🇮🇳 समझाना

🇩🇪 erklären

🇮🇩 menjelaskan

🇺🇦 пояснювати

🇵🇱 wyjaśniać

🇯🇵 説明する (setsumei suru)

🇫🇷 expliquer

🇪🇸 explicar

🇹🇷 açıklamak

🇰🇷 설명하다 (seolmyeonghada)

🇸🇦 شرح

🇨🇿 vysvětlit

🇸🇰 vysvetliť

🇨🇳 解释 (jiěshì)

🇸🇮 razložiti

🇮🇸 útskýra

🇰🇿 түсіндіру

🇬🇪 განმარტება

🇦🇿 izah etmək

🇲🇽 explicar

Etymology

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.

See also: plain, plainly, plainness, plains.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,491, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.