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Explained Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ“–
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explained

[ษชkหˆspleษชn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

communication

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

Synonyms

clarify, elucidate, expound, interpret.

Examples of usage

  • He explained the process to me in simple terms.
  • Can you explain why you were late?
  • Let me explain how this works.
  • She explained her reasons for leaving the company.
  • The teacher explained the concept in a way that everyone could understand.
Context #2 | Verb

excuse

Make (an excuse or justification) less unacceptable.

Synonyms

excuse, justify, rationalize.

Examples of usage

  • He tried to explain away his rude behavior.
  • She explained his absence to the boss.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In scientific communication, clear explanations are vital for sharing ideas and findings, ensuring everyone understands the research.
  • Cognitive psychologists suggest that a well-structured explanation aids memory retention and understanding in learners.
  • The process of explaining is often called 'scaffolding', where teachers build up a student's knowledge step-by-step.

Education

  • Effective explanations in the classroom can lead to higher student engagement and improved learning outcomes.
  • The use of analogies and examples in explanations can significantly enhance comprehension.
  • Great teachers often use storytelling as a method to explain complex concepts, making learning enjoyable.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have unique ways of explaining concepts; for instance, storytelling is prominent in Indigenous education.
  • In some cultures, indirect explanations are valued, relying on context rather than direct statements.
  • Language plays a crucial role in how we explain things; multilingual individuals often need to adjust their explanations based on their audience.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that when people explain new information to others, they strengthen their own understanding and retention.
  • The 'Explanatory Style' principle in psychology examines how individuals interpret events (positive vs. negative), influencing their cognitive processes.
  • People often use personal experiences in their explanations to create a deeper connection with the audience.

Origin of 'explained'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'explanare', which means 'to make flat or level', hinting at bringing clarity.
  • The term began to take its modern form around the 14th century, when it started being used more frequently in written discussions.
  • The prefix 'ex-' suggests outward, or 'from', while 'planare' refers to smoothing or making even.

The word 'explained' originated from the Latin word 'explanare', which means 'to make clear'. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word 'explainen', eventually becoming 'explain' in modern English. The concept of explaining has been crucial in human communication and understanding, allowing individuals to convey information effectively and bridge gaps in knowledge.

See also: explainable, explainer, explanations, explanative, explanatory, inexplicable, inexplicably, unexplainable, unexplainableness, unexplainably, unexplained.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,457, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.