explainv.

Brit.

/ᵻkˈspleɪn/,

/ɛkˈspleɪn/, U.S.

/ᵻkˈspleɪn/,

/ɛkˈspleɪn/

Forms: late Middle English–1700s explane, 1500s–1600s explayne, 1500s–1700s explaine, 1500s– explain, 1600s explaint (past participle), 1600s explayn.

Origin: A borrowing from Latin. Etymon: Latin explānāre.

Etymology: < classical Latin explānāre to spread out flat, flatten out, to make intelligible, expound, to utter distinctly < ex- ex- prefix¹ + plānus plain adj.² Compare Middle French, French †esplaner , †explaner to unfold (a matter), to interpret (a text) (second half of the 15th cent.), to make smooth (a1616); the more usual word meaning ‘to explain’ in French is expliquer (see explicate v.). Compare earlier explanation n.Compare also the following early example (in a use corresponding to sense 2a) which appears to show a form of exploit v. (compare α. forms and sense 1 at that entry) influenced by the present word: ▸ a1438 Bk. Margery Kempe (1940) i. 55 Þer cam a ȝong man to þis prest..expleyntyng þe cawse of infortunyte.

I. To provide an explanation for something.

1. transitive. To make plain or intelligible; to clear of obscurity or difficulty.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > clearness, lucidity > simplifying, popularization > simplify, popularize [verb (transitive)]

explainc1425

moderate1557

facilitate1605

to bring down1719–20

simplify1750

familiarize1752

popularize1799

c1425 tr. J. Arderne Treat. Fistula (Sloane 6) (1910) 3 (MED) That tho thingis, whiche in wrokyng trewly I am ofte tymes experte, I may plenerly explane tham.

1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Explayne, explico.

1579 W. Fulke Heskins Parl. Repealed in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 345 He hath not explaned the manner of the mysterie.

1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iv. xlvi. 378 The Power of Explaining them [sc. Laws] when there is need.

1676 J. Glanvill Ess. i. 6 How the pure Mind can receive information from things that are not like it self..is..not to be explain'd.

1726 J. Gay Let. 17 Nov. (1966) 61 You will have variety of commentators, to explain the difficult passages to you.

1837 Baptist Mag. Jan. 38/1 I have not only to endeavour to inculcate doctrine, but also to explain the simple meaning of words.

1875 H. E. Manning Internal Mission of Holy Ghost ii. 44 What the child cannot understand you explain.

1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 131 Allow me to explain my meaning.

1929 Travel Jan. 15/1 The meaning of this strange present he refused point-blank to explain.

1964 G. Vidal Julian (1965) ii. 28 The Bishop had a talent for explaining only those things one already knew, leaving mysterious those things one would like to have known.

2003 M. Belson On the Press i. 77 He..was always willing to..explain the intricacies of the Monotype Keyboard.

a. transitive. To describe or give an account of in order to bring about understanding, to explicate; to give details of, enter into details respecting. Occasionally with indirect question as object.In many cases, it is unclear whether the mere removal of difficulties (sense 1) or the broader provision of details (this sense) is intended.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > expound, explain [verb (transitive)]

arecchec885

unloukOE

overrunOE

sutelec1000

trahtnec1000

unfolda1050

belayc1175

openc1175

onopena1200

accountc1300

undo?a1366

remenea1382

interpret1382

unwrap1387

exploitc1390

enlumine1393

declarec1400

expoundc1400

unplait?c1400

enperc1420

planea1425

clearc1440

exponec1440

to lay outc1440

to give (also carry) lightc1449

unwind1482

expose1483

reducea1500

manifest1530

explicate1531

explaina1535

unlock?1536

dilucidate1538

elucidate1538

illustrate1538

rechec1540

explicate1543

illucidate1545

enucleate1548

unsnarl1555

commonstrate1563

to lay forth1577

straighten1577

unbroid1577

untwist1577

decipherc1586

illuminate1586

enlighten1587

resolvec1592

cipher1594

eliquidate1596

to take (a person) with one1599

rivelc1600

ravel1604

unbowel1606

unmist1611

extricate1614

unbolta1616

untanglea1616

enode1623

unperplexa1631

perspicuate1634

explata1637

unravel1637

esclarea1639

clarify1642

unweave1642

detenebrate1646

dismystery1652

undecipher1654

unfork1654

unparadox1654

reflect1655

enodate1656

unmysterya1661

liquidatea1670

recognize1676

to clear upa1691

to throw sidelight on1726

to throw (also cast, shed) light on (also upon)1731

eclaircise1754

irradiate1864

unbraid1880

predigest1905

to get (something) straight1920

disambiguate1960

demystify1963

a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 63/2 Other thinges, which the..doctor rather signified then fully explaned.

1571 T. Digges in L. Digges's Geom. Pract.: Pantometria xxv. sig. Ff iv ^v To explane the composition, fourme, nature, and proportion.

1642 C. Saltonstall (title) The Navigator, shewing and explaining all the Chiefe Principles and Parts both Theorick and Practick that are contained in the famous Art of Navigation.

1669 W. Neile Let. 21 Jan. in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1968) V. 344 I wish Dr Wren would have explained his principles of motion a litle more to invite ordinary capacityes who perchance will not or can not otherwise comprehend them.

1729 Bp. J. Butler Serm. in Pref. Wks. II. 9 The following Discourses..were intended to explain what is meant by the nature of man.

1756 C. Lucas Ess. Waters i. Pref. I thought it just to explane the Medicinal Qualities.

1838 C. Darwin Let. 15 May in Corr. (1986) II. 87 I have put a few pencil notes on the margin, which will explain to the referee how much I intend modifying certain portions.

1866 J. Martineau Ess. Philos. & Theol. 1st Ser. 71 Does he explain the business of Ethics?

1937 J. Marquand Thank you, Mr. Moto xxii. 189 It would have taken me a long while to have explained to her exactly what I meant.

1978 C. Rayner Long Acre xviii. 178 It took half an hour for Amy to explain all that had happened to her in her search for her English relations.

2007 Kiplinger's Personal Finance Aug. 64/2 Add a cover letter explaining how you manage your condition.

b. intransitive. To offer or provide an explanation.

ΚΠ

1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 1583 Wearied with slaughter then or how? explain .

1741 C. Middleton Hist. Life Cicero I. iii. 169 A tongue that could explane.

1837 Fraser's Mag. 16 284 If I may claim from my reader a moment's seriosity, I will explain.

1856 C. Reade It is never too Late II. v. 83 ‘Then what were you in the black hole for?’ ‘For obeying orders.’ ‘Nonsense! hum! Explain.’

1886 ‘M. Gray’ Silence of Dean Maitland I. iii. xi He took a card from his pocket... ‘That will explain to Dr. Everard,’ he said.

1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere ii. xvi ‘But, then—I've another hobby.’ She stopped... Robert..begged her to explain.

1899 A. Skeel & W. H. Brearley King Washington 122 I cannot explain about the robbery in your father's garden without disloyalty to my duty.

1922 J. Joyce Ulysses ii. xv. [Circe] 433 Gentlemen of the jury, let me explain.

1968 P. G. Wodehouse Do Butlers burgle Banks? (1970) 28 Horace..lost no time in going on to explain.

2012 D. Park Light of Amsterdam i. 19 I'll talk to him, try to explain.

†3. transitive. To assign a meaning to, state the meaning or import of; to interpret. Obsolete.Now merged in sense 2a.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > interpret [verb (transitive)]

unloukOE

areadOE

spele?c1225

inredec1315

expounda1340

construe1399

interpretate1517

explain1538

scan1562

disentraverse1610

unspherea1616

explicate1628

spell1635

disenvelop1741

extract1775

interpret1795

clarify1823

to read between the lines1866

1538 Bp. J. Longland Serm. Good Frydaye sig. C.iv And he shall explayne and truly interpretate and publyshe it vnto the people.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 518 The sounding Alchymie By Haralds voice explain'd .

1692 tr. C. de Saint-Évremond Misc. Ess. 109 An innocent word maliciously explained.

1726 W. R. Chetwood Voy. & Adventures Capt. R. Boyle 48 This he told Mirza in the Moorish Tongue, but explain'd it to me in English.

1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §221 To define fire by heat would be to explain a thing by itself.

1824 Museum of Foreign Lit. 5 38 Let me first explain the term I have used, and then adduce the proofs that it is rightly applied.

1878 R. Browning La Saisiaz 30 Hindrance is the fact acknowledged, howso'er explained as Fate, Fortune, Providence.

4. transitive (reflexive). To make one's meaning clear and intelligible, speak plainly. Also: to give an account of one's intentions or motives. Formerly also with that-clause as complement: to state in explanation of one's conduct, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > make oneself clear [verb (reflexive)]

explain1558

explicate1563

expound1601

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > make oneself clear [verb (reflexive)] > give account of

explain1558

1558 J. Knox First Blast against Monstruous Regiment Women f. 19^v For so he doth explane him selfe in an other place, affirming that woman oght to be repressed and brideled.

1624 T. Gataker Discuss. Transubstant. (1626) 86 More particularly explaining himselfe he saith.

1634 E. Knott Mercy & Truth ii. vii. 198 S. Hierome..doth explaine himselfe, that he vttered only what the Iewes were wont to say against vs.

1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 115 The Duke must now explaine himselfe, that it was the value of the English Crown, and not the title that brought him over.

1660 T. Fuller Mixt Contempl. ii. ii. 3 Being desired further to explaine himself; I meane (said he..) [etc.].

1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest II. ix. 49 Explain yourself, lovely Adeline!

1859 Friend of Youth & Child's Mag. Nov. 323 I have been watching you for the last half hour, and I cannot comprehend you. Do explain yourself.

1897 E. O. White Browning Courtship 170 Only—perhaps I can't explain myself—it sometimes seems to me as if it were better to fail than to succeed.

1910 A. Bennett Clayhanger i. xv. 153 He'll never let me explain myself properly if I start talking. I shall write a letter.

1959 Life 12 Oct. 136/1 ‘They are all pictures of me,’ says Avedon, trying to explain himself. ‘I don't walk through the streets looking like Lahr or Chaplin or Marian Anderson but I go along feeling like them.’

2005 Advocate 21 June 134 (caption) People look at you like, ‘Why are you here?’ and you have to sort of explain yourself.

a. transitive. With subordinate clause as object. To say in explanation that something is the case.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > explain [verb (intransitive)] > give account of

to give (also yield, render) (a) reasonc1225

reckona1300

count?c1430

explain1611

account1643

1611 A. Willet Hexapla: Rom. i. iv. 206 He further explaineth, that he meaneth not such as onely haue the carnall circumcision, but such as walke in the steppes of Abraham.

1807 European Mag. & London Rev. July 32/2 He was preparing to explain that he did not know the writer.

1867 S. W. Baker Albert N'yanza II. 162 Explaining that I was quite out of stores and presents.

1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 132 He..explains to Socrates that he has attained the conception of ideas by a process of generalization.

1913 Rotarian May 50/1 The president explained that their warehouse manager had recommended me so highly that he was willing to give me a trial.

1951 Amer. Bar Assoc. Jrnl. Nov. 866/2 Mr. Maxwell explained that when a member is suspended from practice, he is no longer a lawyer and therefore is ineligible for membership.

2000 Cincinnati Feb. 113/1 He explained that I had some sort of seizure.

2007 Orange Coast Nov. 174/2 She called her son over and asked him to explain to me that 200 rubles was fine.

b. transitive. With a direct statement as object. To utter in explanation.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > explain [verb (intransitive)]

explicate1531

explicate1664

reckon1674

explain1856

1856 C. Reade It is never too Late II. v. 94 ‘Yes sir clammed and no mistake.’ ‘North-country word for starved’ explained Mr. Eden.

1886 ‘M. Gray’ Silence of Dean Maitland III. iii. vi. 158 He..told him that his room had been waiting for him for days. ‘I should rather say your rooms,’ he explained.

1903 R. Langbridge Flame & Flood x Tears came into Susette's eyes... ‘I have bitten my tongue,’ Susette explained.

1908 Smart Set June 93/1 He slapped down a yellow envelope upon the desk. ‘Telegram,’ he explained tersely.

1975 Computerworld 14 May 67/1 ‘It's a business decision,’ he explained.

2014 Daily Tel. 6 Feb. 22/2 ‘Oh, I'm such a goldfish today!’ she sighs. A what? ‘Puffy-eyed,’ she explains.

†6. intransitive. To speak one's mind, give one's views upon (a subject). Also with against. Obsolete.Somewhat common in 18th cent.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (intransitive)] > one's opinion or position

opena1382

to show one's mind1492

to speak one's mindc1500

to speak (also give) one's sense1646

position1647

to declare for1669

explain1709

to come out1836

to go on record1867

1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 45 My intended Purpose..was to explain upon the Order of Merry Fellows.

1718 Mem. Life J. Kettlewell ii. xxxiv. 141 The Designs..which they had..so loudly explained against.

1764 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 20 July (1932) (modernized text) VI. 2603 The public..begins to explain upon him.

1785 W. Gibbons Reply Sir L. O'Brien 3 With a view of enabling him to explain upon it, with that ability, he has shewn in his history of our other great manufactures.

a. transitive. Of a person: to make clear the cause, origin, or reason of; to account for.

ΘΚΠ

the world > existence and causation > causation > attribution or assignment of cause > assign to a cause [verb (transitive)] > make clear the cause of or explain

explicate1605

explain1736

1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. i. v. 84 It may be hard, to explain..the Faculty by which we are capable of Habits.

1780 R. B. Sheridan School for Scandal iv. iii. 58 I'll explain every thing to your satisfaction.

1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps ii. viii. 267 The principles we have laid down enable us to explain the difference.

1863 M. Howitt tr. F. Bremer Greece & Greeks II. xiv. 91 It has been known from the most ancient times, but has never yet been explained in a satisfactory manner.

1942 P. G. Wodehouse Money in Bank xii. 107 We got Soapy all wrong, Chimp. He's explained everything.

1986 New Scientist 31 Jan. 21/2 Scientists checking UV emissions have dubbed the phenomenon ‘electroglow’, but are at a loss to explain the mechanism behind it.

2009 Daily Record (Glasgow) (Nexis) 4 Apr. 62 They are hauled up to explain a few rogue words uttered in the heat of battle.

b. transitive. Of a fact, situation, or circumstance: to be the reason or rationale for, to account for; to be the cause of. Also: (of a theory) to account for (a phenomenon). Also with clause as object.

ΚΠ

1786 Crit. Rev. Nov. 374 This fact explains the vulgar paradox, that the bottom of a tea-kettle full of boiling water is cool, and when the boiling ceases, hot.

1800 Philos. Mag. 7 310 Perhaps, the best theory that has been devised to explain the phenomena of the torpedo, adhering to the hitherto known principles and laws of electricity.

1801 G. Ensor in Monthly Rev. (1802) 38 61 These facts explain why there is such a paucity of authentic records.

1819 Edinb. Philos. Jrnl. 1 343 This absorbent property of agates explains the fact of their being occasionally blackened by sulphuric acid.

1826 Lancet 2 Dec. 281/2 This explains the aggravation of symptoms produced by the ill-timed exhibition of this drug.

1874 Proc. Royal Soc. 1873–4 22 532 This refraction explains the well-known difference which exists in the distinctness of sounds by day and by night.

1909 E. T. Devine in Fabian News Dec. 94/1 Not poverty and not punishment explains the misery of our modern commercial and industrial communities, but rather social maladjustment.

1922 T. M. Lowry Inorg. Chem. xxvii. 428 (footnote) This would explain the fact that necrosis does not occur..when phosphorus is being charged into smoke-producing shells.

1950 L. E. Hawker Physiol. Fungi viii. 245 The failure of the chemotropic theory to explain the observed facts of penetration.

1990 M. Kelly in D. Bolger Picador Bk. Contemp. Irish Fiction (1994) 339 You didn't spake to him and you didn't look at him. Sure that explains it.

2013 Waitrose Weekend 9 May 6/1 He asked his granny! Which might explain why his new show includes traditional dishes such as Irish stew and a fruit bread called ‘barmbrack’.

†II. To make physically flat or plain.

8. transitive. To smooth out, make smooth, take out roughness from. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > shape > flatness or levelness > smoothness > make smooth [verb (transitive)]

smeethc1000

slipe1390

smoothc1440

sleck1530

explain1549

smooth1611

besmooth?1615

sleek1619

deglabrate1623

unruffle1629

smoothen1678

cleanse1680

smoothen1680

smooth1859

1549 T. Chaloner tr. Erasmus Praise of Folie sig. Bj He must caulme and explane his forehead [L. explicanda frons].

1650 J. Bulwer Anthropometamorphosis 9 Their faces are explained or flatted by art.

1712 R. Blackmore Creation iv. 203 Who will our Orb's unequal Face explain, which Epicurus made all smooth and plain?

a. transitive. To make plainly visible; to display. Also reflexive: to reveal oneself to be (something). Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

society > communication > manifestation > [verb (transitive)]

uppec897

atewOE

sutelec1000

openOE

awnc1175

kithec1175

forthteec1200

tawnec1220

let witc1275

forthshowa1300

to pilt out?a1300

showa1300

barea1325

mythc1330

unfoldc1374

to open outc1390

assign1398

mustera1400

reyve?a1400

vouchc1400

manifest?a1425

outshowc1425

ostendc1429

explayc1443

objecta1500

reveala1500

patefy?1509

decipher1529

relieve1533

to set outa1540

utter1542

report1548

unbuckle1548

to set forth1551

demonstrate1553

to hold forth1560

testify1560

explicate1565

forthsetc1565

to give show of1567

denudec1572

exhibit1573

apparent1577

display?1578

carry1580

cipher1583

laya1586

foreshow1590

uncloud?1594

vision1594

explain1597

proclaim1597

unroll1598

discloud1600

remonstrate1601

resent1602

to bring out1608

palesate1613

pronounce1615

to speak out1623

elicit1641

confess1646

bear1657

breathe1667

outplay1702

to throw out1741

evolve1744

announce1781

develop1806

exfoliate1808

evince1829

exposit1882

pack1925

1597 R. Johnson 2nd Pt. Famous Hist. Seauen Champions sig. P4^v The darke night began..to giue Aurora libertie to explayne her purple brightnesse.

1609 S. Rowlands Famous Hist. Guy Earle of Warwick 71 That life she entertains..And such severity therein explains.

1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 169 England would..explaine it selfe unto the World to be a regular government.

1692 T. Fletcher tr. Virgil in Poems Several Occasions xviii. 103 Till their Friends Fortune should itself explain.

a1809 T. Paine in Republican (1823) 2 May 576 The term, therefore natural religion, explains itself to be divine religion, and the term revealed religion involves in it the suspicion of being artificial.

1844 Knickerbocker Sept. 301 We make an extract from the characteristic poem of the last-named gentleman; a passage which will explain itself to be a part of an earnest invitation to the errant ‘Berkshires’ to come up to the festival.

b. transitive. To open out, unfold, spread out flat (a material object). Chiefly reflexive. Also intransitive with reflexive meaning. Frequently with into. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > space > extension in space > extend [verb (transitive)] > spread (something) out or open

abredeeOE

bredeOE

stretcha1000

to-spreada1000

openOE

spreadc1175

displayc1320

to let outc1380

to open outc1384

outspreada1400

spald?a1400

splayc1402

expand?a1475

to lay along1483

speld?a1500

skail1513

to set abroad1526

to lay abroad1530

flarec1550

bespread1557

to set out1573

dispread1590

explaina1600

expanse1600

dispack1605

splat1615

dispand1656

extend1676

flat1709

spelder1710

spreadeagle1829

a1600 T. Deloney Strange Hist. (1607) i. sig. Av Her wit..like a ship her selfe explaines.

1644 J. Bulwer Chirologia 53 The left hand explained into a Palme.

1664 J. Evelyn Sylva (1776) 231 Before they [sc. buds] explain into leaves.

1673 J. Eachard Some Opinions Mr Hobbs Considered 127 As the table-Cloth is explain'd upon the Table.

1684 J. Evelyn in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 14 560 The Horse-Chesnut is..ready to explain its leaf.

1721 R. Bradley Philos. Acct. Wks. Nature 46 In the Gourd..a Seed..coming to explain itself into a Plant of full Perfection, will spread its Vine in six months.

1721 R. Bradley Philos. Acct. Wks. Nature 144 Beetles..have..Wings..so disposed as to fold up or explain themselves at the Will of the Insect.

Phrasal verbs

to explain away

1. transitive. Originally: to modify or do away with (a meaning, etc.) by explanation. Now usually: to explain (facts, events, etc.) so as to deprive of (esp. offensive or awkward) force or significance; to (seek to) excuse or extenuate by offering an explanation.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > testing > refutation, disproof > refute, disprove [verb (transitive)] > and remove force of

to explain away1688

to live down1730

1688 J. Harrington Some Refl. Pietas Romana & Parisiensis 61 You might have spar'd your attemt to explain away the instances.

1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 9 Those explain'd the Meaning quite away.

1729 Bp. J. Butler Serm. in Pref. Wks. II. 22 There is a strange affectation in many people of explaining away all particular affections.

1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. 741 His words were taken down; and, though he tried to explain them away, he was sent to the Tower.

1877 J. B. Mozley Univ. Serm. (ed. 3) vii. 154 To explain away the natural meaning of this part of Scripture language.

1885 Law Rep.: Chancery Div. 29 293 He seeks to explain away the authorities we rely on.

1913 J. M. Baldwin Hist. Psychol. II. iv. i. 8 Rationalism asserts the originality of reason, and explains away or ignores sensation.

1958 Pop. Sci. June 84/2 (caption) Hardly any of the questioned drivers..resorted to fictions to explain away their erratic behavior.

2008 Yoga Jrnl. Oct. 58/3 In this version, her wildness is explained away as purely symbolic or metaphorical.

2. transitive. to explain oneself away: to offer an explanation for one's (esp. offensive or awkward) speech or behaviour; to make excuses for oneself.

ΚΠ

1786 J. H. Tooke Επεα Πτεροεντα Introd. 16 You shall not be permitted to explain yourself away.

1867 All Year Round Christmas No. 17/1 Now, you see, when Obenreizer speaks,—in other words, when he is allowed to explain himself away,—he comes out right enough; but when he has not the opportunity of explaining himself away, he comes out rather wrong.

1903 E. W. Pugh Stumbling-Block ii. 105 His train leaves Charing Cross at midnight. You must be on the platform before then to beg his forgiveness—explain yourself away—make it up with him.

1977 H. Spector Bastard in Ragged Suit 85 Pavolovsky was a queer creature, one of those bohemians always explaining himself away, always getting drunk with self-love, with beautiful dreams of creation..but it was all conversation, nothing ever came of it.

2008 ‘R. Bowen’ Her Royal Spyness xi. 123 Bumping into Binky had been bad enough, but he was easy to fool. I couldn't think how I'd explain myself away to someone stiff and correct like Whiffy Featherstonehaugh.

Derivatives

exˈplained adj. for which an explanation is given or available (in quot. 1685 in the comparative); cf. unexplained adj.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > clarity > [adjective] > explicit

expressc1386

enunciative1531

explicate1532

expressed1534

explicit1549

unimplicit1673

explained1685

implicit1727

disimplicated1753

1685 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) I. 140 Y^e Assembly requested..that a further Explainter Sence might be admitted.

1808 H. Weber Battle of Floddon Field 235 The numbers refer to the verses in which the explained terms occur.

1988 New Scientist 26 May 78/3 As we all know, an explained or exploded incident never attracts the same attention as the original enigma.

2011 Northern Star & Rural Weekly (New S. Wales) (Nexis) 14 Oct. 2 From Monday the school will start sending text messages to the parents of absent students... A text message reply will be counted as an explained absence from school.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	explain
释义	explainv. Brit. /ᵻkˈspleɪn/, /ɛkˈspleɪn/, U.S. /ᵻkˈspleɪn/, /ɛkˈspleɪn/ Forms: late Middle English–1700s explane, 1500s–1600s explayne, 1500s–1700s explaine, 1500s– explain, 1600s explaint (past participle), 1600s explayn. Origin: A borrowing from Latin. Etymon: Latin explānāre. Etymology: < classical Latin explānāre to spread out flat, flatten out, to make intelligible, expound, to utter distinctly < ex- ex- prefix¹ + plānus plain adj.² Compare Middle French, French †esplaner , †explaner to unfold (a matter), to interpret (a text) (second half of the 15th cent.), to make smooth (a1616); the more usual word meaning ‘to explain’ in French is expliquer (see explicate v.). Compare earlier explanation n.Compare also the following early example (in a use corresponding to sense 2a) which appears to show a form of exploit v. (compare α. forms and sense 1 at that entry) influenced by the present word: ▸ a1438 Bk. Margery Kempe (1940) i. 55 Þer cam a ȝong man to þis prest..expleyntyng þe cawse of infortunyte. I. To provide an explanation for something. 1. transitive. To make plain or intelligible; to clear of obscurity or difficulty. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > clearness, lucidity > simplifying, popularization > simplify, popularize [verb (transitive)] explainc1425 moderate1557 facilitate1605 to bring down1719–20 simplify1750 familiarize1752 popularize1799 c1425 tr. J. Arderne Treat. Fistula (Sloane 6) (1910) 3 (MED) That tho thingis, whiche in wrokyng trewly I am ofte tymes experte, I may plenerly explane tham. 1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Explayne, explico. 1579 W. Fulke Heskins Parl. Repealed in D. Heskins Ouerthrowne 345 He hath not explaned the manner of the mysterie. 1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iv. xlvi. 378 The Power of Explaining them [sc. Laws] when there is need. 1676 J. Glanvill Ess. i. 6 How the pure Mind can receive information from things that are not like it self..is..not to be explain'd. 1726 J. Gay Let. 17 Nov. (1966) 61 You will have variety of commentators, to explain the difficult passages to you. 1837 Baptist Mag. Jan. 38/1 I have not only to endeavour to inculcate doctrine, but also to explain the simple meaning of words. 1875 H. E. Manning Internal Mission of Holy Ghost ii. 44 What the child cannot understand you explain. 1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) III. 131 Allow me to explain my meaning. 1929 Travel Jan. 15/1 The meaning of this strange present he refused point-blank to explain. 1964 G. Vidal Julian (1965) ii. 28 The Bishop had a talent for explaining only those things one already knew, leaving mysterious those things one would like to have known. 2003 M. Belson On the Press i. 77 He..was always willing to..explain the intricacies of the Monotype Keyboard. 2. a. transitive. To describe or give an account of in order to bring about understanding, to explicate; to give details of, enter into details respecting. Occasionally with indirect question as object.In many cases, it is unclear whether the mere removal of difficulties (sense 1) or the broader provision of details (this sense) is intended. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > expound, explain [verb (transitive)] arecchec885 unloukOE overrunOE sutelec1000 trahtnec1000 unfolda1050 belayc1175 openc1175 onopena1200 accountc1300 undo?a1366 remenea1382 interpret1382 unwrap1387 exploitc1390 enlumine1393 declarec1400 expoundc1400 unplait?c1400 enperc1420 planea1425 clearc1440 exponec1440 to lay outc1440 to give (also carry) lightc1449 unwind1482 expose1483 reducea1500 manifest1530 explicate1531 explaina1535 unlock?1536 dilucidate1538 elucidate1538 illustrate1538 rechec1540 explicate1543 illucidate1545 enucleate1548 unsnarl1555 commonstrate1563 to lay forth1577 straighten1577 unbroid1577 untwist1577 decipherc1586 illuminate1586 enlighten1587 resolvec1592 cipher1594 eliquidate1596 to take (a person) with one1599 rivelc1600 ravel1604 unbowel1606 unmist1611 extricate1614 unbolta1616 untanglea1616 enode1623 unperplexa1631 perspicuate1634 explata1637 unravel1637 esclarea1639 clarify1642 unweave1642 detenebrate1646 dismystery1652 undecipher1654 unfork1654 unparadox1654 reflect1655 enodate1656 unmysterya1661 liquidatea1670 recognize1676 to clear upa1691 to throw sidelight on1726 to throw (also cast, shed) light on (also upon)1731 eclaircise1754 irradiate1864 unbraid1880 predigest1905 to get (something) straight1920 disambiguate1960 demystify1963 a1535 T. More Hist. Richard III in Wks. (1557) 63/2 Other thinges, which the..doctor rather signified then fully explaned. 1571 T. Digges in L. Digges's Geom. Pract.: Pantometria xxv. sig. Ff iv ^v To explane the composition, fourme, nature, and proportion. 1642 C. Saltonstall (title) The Navigator, shewing and explaining all the Chiefe Principles and Parts both Theorick and Practick that are contained in the famous Art of Navigation. 1669 W. Neile Let. 21 Jan. in H. Oldenburg Corr. (1968) V. 344 I wish Dr Wren would have explained his principles of motion a litle more to invite ordinary capacityes who perchance will not or can not otherwise comprehend them. 1729 Bp. J. Butler Serm. in Pref. Wks. II. 9 The following Discourses..were intended to explain what is meant by the nature of man. 1756 C. Lucas Ess. Waters i. Pref. I thought it just to explane the Medicinal Qualities. 1838 C. Darwin Let. 15 May in Corr. (1986) II. 87 I have put a few pencil notes on the margin, which will explain to the referee how much I intend modifying certain portions. 1866 J. Martineau Ess. Philos. & Theol. 1st Ser. 71 Does he explain the business of Ethics? 1937 J. Marquand Thank you, Mr. Moto xxii. 189 It would have taken me a long while to have explained to her exactly what I meant. 1978 C. Rayner Long Acre xviii. 178 It took half an hour for Amy to explain all that had happened to her in her search for her English relations. 2007 Kiplinger's Personal Finance Aug. 64/2 Add a cover letter explaining how you manage your condition. b. intransitive. To offer or provide an explanation. ΚΠ 1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 1583 Wearied with slaughter then or how? explain . View more context for this quotation 1741 C. Middleton Hist. Life Cicero I. iii. 169 A tongue that could explane. 1837 Fraser's Mag. 16 284 If I may claim from my reader a moment's seriosity, I will explain. 1856 C. Reade It is never too Late II. v. 83 ‘Then what were you in the black hole for?’ ‘For obeying orders.’ ‘Nonsense! hum! Explain.’ 1886 ‘M. Gray’ Silence of Dean Maitland I. iii. xi He took a card from his pocket... ‘That will explain to Dr. Everard,’ he said. 1888 Mrs. H. Ward Robert Elsmere ii. xvi ‘But, then—I've another hobby.’ She stopped... Robert..begged her to explain. 1899 A. Skeel & W. H. Brearley King Washington 122 I cannot explain about the robbery in your father's garden without disloyalty to my duty. 1922 J. Joyce Ulysses ii. xv. [Circe] 433 Gentlemen of the jury, let me explain. 1968 P. G. Wodehouse Do Butlers burgle Banks? (1970) 28 Horace..lost no time in going on to explain. 2012 D. Park Light of Amsterdam i. 19 I'll talk to him, try to explain. †3. transitive. To assign a meaning to, state the meaning or import of; to interpret. Obsolete.Now merged in sense 2a. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > interpretation > interpret [verb (transitive)] unloukOE areadOE spele?c1225 inredec1315 expounda1340 construe1399 interpretate1517 explain1538 scan1562 disentraverse1610 unspherea1616 explicate1628 spell1635 disenvelop1741 extract1775 interpret1795 clarify1823 read1847 to read between the lines1866 1538 Bp. J. Longland Serm. Good Frydaye sig. C.iv And he shall explayne and truly interpretate and publyshe it vnto the people. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 518 The sounding Alchymie By Haralds voice explain'd . View more context for this quotation 1692 tr. C. de Saint-Évremond Misc. Ess. 109 An innocent word maliciously explained. 1726 W. R. Chetwood Voy. & Adventures Capt. R. Boyle 48 This he told Mirza in the Moorish Tongue, but explain'd it to me in English. 1744 G. Berkeley Siris (ESTC T72826) §221 To define fire by heat would be to explain a thing by itself. 1824 Museum of Foreign Lit. 5 38 Let me first explain the term I have used, and then adduce the proofs that it is rightly applied. 1878 R. Browning La Saisiaz 30 Hindrance is the fact acknowledged, howso'er explained as Fate, Fortune, Providence. 4. transitive (reflexive). To make one's meaning clear and intelligible, speak plainly. Also: to give an account of one's intentions or motives. Formerly also with that-clause as complement: to state in explanation of one's conduct, etc. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > make oneself clear [verb (reflexive)] explain1558 explicate1563 expound1601 the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > make oneself clear [verb (reflexive)] > give account of explain1558 1558 J. Knox First Blast against Monstruous Regiment Women f. 19^v For so he doth explane him selfe in an other place, affirming that woman oght to be repressed and brideled. 1624 T. Gataker Discuss. Transubstant. (1626) 86 More particularly explaining himselfe he saith. 1634 E. Knott Mercy & Truth ii. vii. 198 S. Hierome..doth explaine himselfe, that he vttered only what the Iewes were wont to say against vs. 1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 115 The Duke must now explaine himselfe, that it was the value of the English Crown, and not the title that brought him over. 1660 T. Fuller Mixt Contempl. ii. ii. 3 Being desired further to explaine himself; I meane (said he..) [etc.]. 1791 A. Radcliffe Romance of Forest II. ix. 49 Explain yourself, lovely Adeline! 1859 Friend of Youth & Child's Mag. Nov. 323 I have been watching you for the last half hour, and I cannot comprehend you. Do explain yourself. 1897 E. O. White Browning Courtship 170 Only—perhaps I can't explain myself—it sometimes seems to me as if it were better to fail than to succeed. 1910 A. Bennett Clayhanger i. xv. 153 He'll never let me explain myself properly if I start talking. I shall write a letter. 1959 Life 12 Oct. 136/1 ‘They are all pictures of me,’ says Avedon, trying to explain himself. ‘I don't walk through the streets looking like Lahr or Chaplin or Marian Anderson but I go along feeling like them.’ 2005 Advocate 21 June 134 (caption) People look at you like, ‘Why are you here?’ and you have to sort of explain yourself. 5. a. transitive. With subordinate clause as object. To say in explanation that something is the case. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > explain [verb (intransitive)] > give account of to give (also yield, render) (a) reasonc1225 reckona1300 count?c1430 explain1611 account1643 1611 A. Willet Hexapla: Rom. i. iv. 206 He further explaineth, that he meaneth not such as onely haue the carnall circumcision, but such as walke in the steppes of Abraham. 1807 European Mag. & London Rev. July 32/2 He was preparing to explain that he did not know the writer. 1867 S. W. Baker Albert N'yanza II. 162 Explaining that I was quite out of stores and presents. 1875 B. Jowett in tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 132 He..explains to Socrates that he has attained the conception of ideas by a process of generalization. 1913 Rotarian May 50/1 The president explained that their warehouse manager had recommended me so highly that he was willing to give me a trial. 1951 Amer. Bar Assoc. Jrnl. Nov. 866/2 Mr. Maxwell explained that when a member is suspended from practice, he is no longer a lawyer and therefore is ineligible for membership. 2000 Cincinnati Feb. 113/1 He explained that I had some sort of seizure. 2007 Orange Coast Nov. 174/2 She called her son over and asked him to explain to me that 200 rubles was fine. b. transitive. With a direct statement as object. To utter in explanation. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > meaning > explanation, exposition > explain [verb (intransitive)] explicate1531 explicate1664 reckon1674 explain1856 1856 C. Reade It is never too Late II. v. 94 ‘Yes sir clammed and no mistake.’ ‘North-country word for starved’ explained Mr. Eden. 1886 ‘M. Gray’ Silence of Dean Maitland III. iii. vi. 158 He..told him that his room had been waiting for him for days. ‘I should rather say your rooms,’ he explained. 1903 R. Langbridge Flame & Flood x Tears came into Susette's eyes... ‘I have bitten my tongue,’ Susette explained. 1908 Smart Set June 93/1 He slapped down a yellow envelope upon the desk. ‘Telegram,’ he explained tersely. 1975 Computerworld 14 May 67/1 ‘It's a business decision,’ he explained. 2014 Daily Tel. 6 Feb. 22/2 ‘Oh, I'm such a goldfish today!’ she sighs. A what? ‘Puffy-eyed,’ she explains. †6. intransitive. To speak one's mind, give one's views upon (a subject). Also with against. Obsolete.Somewhat common in 18th cent. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > statement > state or declare [verb (intransitive)] > one's opinion or position opena1382 to show one's mind1492 to speak one's mindc1500 to speak (also give) one's sense1646 position1647 to declare for1669 explain1709 to come out1836 to go on record1867 1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 45 My intended Purpose..was to explain upon the Order of Merry Fellows. 1718 Mem. Life J. Kettlewell ii. xxxiv. 141 The Designs..which they had..so loudly explained against. 1764 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 20 July (1932) (modernized text) VI. 2603 The public..begins to explain upon him. 1785 W. Gibbons Reply Sir L. O'Brien 3 With a view of enabling him to explain upon it, with that ability, he has shewn in his history of our other great manufactures. 7. a. transitive. Of a person: to make clear the cause, origin, or reason of; to account for. ΘΚΠ the world > existence and causation > causation > attribution or assignment of cause > assign to a cause [verb (transitive)] > make clear the cause of or explain explicate1605 explain1736 1736 Bp. J. Butler Analogy of Relig. i. v. 84 It may be hard, to explain..the Faculty by which we are capable of Habits. 1780 R. B. Sheridan School for Scandal iv. iii. 58 I'll explain every thing to your satisfaction. 1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps ii. viii. 267 The principles we have laid down enable us to explain the difference. 1863 M. Howitt tr. F. Bremer Greece & Greeks II. xiv. 91 It has been known from the most ancient times, but has never yet been explained in a satisfactory manner. 1942 P. G. Wodehouse Money in Bank xii. 107 We got Soapy all wrong, Chimp. He's explained everything. 1986 New Scientist 31 Jan. 21/2 Scientists checking UV emissions have dubbed the phenomenon ‘electroglow’, but are at a loss to explain the mechanism behind it. 2009 Daily Record (Glasgow) (Nexis) 4 Apr. 62 They are hauled up to explain a few rogue words uttered in the heat of battle. b. transitive. Of a fact, situation, or circumstance: to be the reason or rationale for, to account for; to be the cause of. Also: (of a theory) to account for (a phenomenon). Also with clause as object. ΚΠ 1786 Crit. Rev. Nov. 374 This fact explains the vulgar paradox, that the bottom of a tea-kettle full of boiling water is cool, and when the boiling ceases, hot. 1800 Philos. Mag. 7 310 Perhaps, the best theory that has been devised to explain the phenomena of the torpedo, adhering to the hitherto known principles and laws of electricity. 1801 G. Ensor in Monthly Rev. (1802) 38 61 These facts explain why there is such a paucity of authentic records. 1819 Edinb. Philos. Jrnl. 1 343 This absorbent property of agates explains the fact of their being occasionally blackened by sulphuric acid. 1826 Lancet 2 Dec. 281/2 This explains the aggravation of symptoms produced by the ill-timed exhibition of this drug. 1874 Proc. Royal Soc. 1873–4 22 532 This refraction explains the well-known difference which exists in the distinctness of sounds by day and by night. 1909 E. T. Devine in Fabian News Dec. 94/1 Not poverty and not punishment explains the misery of our modern commercial and industrial communities, but rather social maladjustment. 1922 T. M. Lowry Inorg. Chem. xxvii. 428 (footnote) This would explain the fact that necrosis does not occur..when phosphorus is being charged into smoke-producing shells. 1950 L. E. Hawker Physiol. Fungi viii. 245 The failure of the chemotropic theory to explain the observed facts of penetration. 1990 M. Kelly in D. Bolger Picador Bk. Contemp. Irish Fiction (1994) 339 You didn't spake to him and you didn't look at him. Sure that explains it. 2013 Waitrose Weekend 9 May 6/1 He asked his granny! Which might explain why his new show includes traditional dishes such as Irish stew and a fruit bread called ‘barmbrack’. †II. To make physically flat or plain. 8. transitive. To smooth out, make smooth, take out roughness from. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > shape > flatness or levelness > smoothness > make smooth [verb (transitive)] smeethc1000 slipe1390 smoothc1440 sleck1530 explain1549 smooth1611 besmooth?1615 sleek1619 deglabrate1623 unruffle1629 smoothen1678 cleanse1680 smoothen1680 smooth1859 1549 T. Chaloner tr. Erasmus Praise of Folie sig. Bj He must caulme and explane his forehead [L. explicanda frons]. 1650 J. Bulwer Anthropometamorphosis 9 Their faces are explained or flatted by art. 1712 R. Blackmore Creation iv. 203 Who will our Orb's unequal Face explain, which Epicurus made all smooth and plain? 9. a. transitive. To make plainly visible; to display. Also reflexive: to reveal oneself to be (something). Obsolete. ΘΚΠ society > communication > manifestation > [verb (transitive)] uppec897 atewOE sutelec1000 openOE awnc1175 kithec1175 forthteec1200 tawnec1220 let witc1275 forthshowa1300 to pilt out?a1300 showa1300 barea1325 mythc1330 unfoldc1374 to open outc1390 assign1398 mustera1400 reyve?a1400 vouchc1400 manifest?a1425 outshowc1425 ostendc1429 explayc1443 objecta1500 reveala1500 patefy?1509 decipher1529 relieve1533 to set outa1540 utter1542 report1548 unbuckle1548 to set forth1551 demonstrate1553 to hold forth1560 testify1560 explicate1565 forthsetc1565 to give show of1567 denudec1572 exhibit1573 apparent1577 display?1578 carry1580 cipher1583 laya1586 foreshow1590 uncloud?1594 vision1594 explain1597 proclaim1597 unroll1598 discloud1600 remonstrate1601 resent1602 to bring out1608 palesate1613 pronounce1615 to speak out1623 elicit1641 confess1646 bear1657 breathe1667 outplay1702 to throw out1741 evolve1744 announce1781 develop1806 exfoliate1808 evince1829 exposit1882 pack1925 1597 R. Johnson 2nd Pt. Famous Hist. Seauen Champions sig. P4^v The darke night began..to giue Aurora libertie to explayne her purple brightnesse. 1609 S. Rowlands Famous Hist. Guy Earle of Warwick 71 That life she entertains..And such severity therein explains. 1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 169 England would..explaine it selfe unto the World to be a regular government. 1692 T. Fletcher tr. Virgil in Poems Several Occasions xviii. 103 Till their Friends Fortune should itself explain. a1809 T. Paine in Republican (1823) 2 May 576 The term, therefore natural religion, explains itself to be divine religion, and the term revealed religion involves in it the suspicion of being artificial. 1844 Knickerbocker Sept. 301 We make an extract from the characteristic poem of the last-named gentleman; a passage which will explain itself to be a part of an earnest invitation to the errant ‘Berkshires’ to come up to the festival. b. transitive. To open out, unfold, spread out flat (a material object). Chiefly reflexive. Also intransitive with reflexive meaning. Frequently with into. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > space > extension in space > extend [verb (transitive)] > spread (something) out or open abredeeOE bredeOE stretcha1000 to-spreada1000 openOE spreadc1175 displayc1320 to let outc1380 to open outc1384 outspreada1400 spald?a1400 splayc1402 expand?a1475 to lay along1483 speld?a1500 skail1513 to set abroad1526 to lay abroad1530 flarec1550 bespread1557 to set out1573 dispread1590 explaina1600 expanse1600 dispack1605 splat1615 dispand1656 extend1676 flat1709 spelder1710 spreadeagle1829 a1600 T. Deloney Strange Hist. (1607) i. sig. Av Her wit..like a ship her selfe explaines. 1644 J. Bulwer Chirologia 53 The left hand explained into a Palme. 1664 J. Evelyn Sylva (1776) 231 Before they [sc. buds] explain into leaves. 1673 J. Eachard Some Opinions Mr Hobbs Considered 127 As the table-Cloth is explain'd upon the Table. 1684 J. Evelyn in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 14 560 The Horse-Chesnut is..ready to explain its leaf. 1721 R. Bradley Philos. Acct. Wks. Nature 46 In the Gourd..a Seed..coming to explain itself into a Plant of full Perfection, will spread its Vine in six months. 1721 R. Bradley Philos. Acct. Wks. Nature 144 Beetles..have..Wings..so disposed as to fold up or explain themselves at the Will of the Insect. Phrasal verbs to explain away 1. transitive. Originally: to modify or do away with (a meaning, etc.) by explanation. Now usually: to explain (facts, events, etc.) so as to deprive of (esp. offensive or awkward) force or significance; to (seek to) excuse or extenuate by offering an explanation. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > testing > refutation, disproof > refute, disprove [verb (transitive)] > and remove force of to explain away1688 to live down1730 1688 J. Harrington Some Refl. Pietas Romana & Parisiensis 61 You might have spar'd your attemt to explain away the instances. 1711 A. Pope Ess. Crit. 9 Those explain'd the Meaning quite away. 1729 Bp. J. Butler Serm. in Pref. Wks. II. 22 There is a strange affectation in many people of explaining away all particular affections. 1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. 741 His words were taken down; and, though he tried to explain them away, he was sent to the Tower. 1877 J. B. Mozley Univ. Serm. (ed. 3) vii. 154 To explain away the natural meaning of this part of Scripture language. 1885 Law Rep.: Chancery Div. 29 293 He seeks to explain away the authorities we rely on. 1913 J. M. Baldwin Hist. Psychol. II. iv. i. 8 Rationalism asserts the originality of reason, and explains away or ignores sensation. 1958 Pop. Sci. June 84/2 (caption) Hardly any of the questioned drivers..resorted to fictions to explain away their erratic behavior. 2008 Yoga Jrnl. Oct. 58/3 In this version, her wildness is explained away as purely symbolic or metaphorical. 2. transitive. to explain oneself away: to offer an explanation for one's (esp. offensive or awkward) speech or behaviour; to make excuses for oneself. ΚΠ 1786 J. H. Tooke Επεα Πτεροεντα Introd. 16 You shall not be permitted to explain yourself away. 1867 All Year Round Christmas No. 17/1 Now, you see, when Obenreizer speaks,—in other words, when he is allowed to explain himself away,—he comes out right enough; but when he has not the opportunity of explaining himself away, he comes out rather wrong. 1903 E. W. Pugh Stumbling-Block ii. 105 His train leaves Charing Cross at midnight. You must be on the platform before then to beg his forgiveness—explain yourself away—make it up with him. 1977 H. Spector Bastard in Ragged Suit 85 Pavolovsky was a queer creature, one of those bohemians always explaining himself away, always getting drunk with self-love, with beautiful dreams of creation..but it was all conversation, nothing ever came of it. 2008 ‘R. Bowen’ Her Royal Spyness xi. 123 Bumping into Binky had been bad enough, but he was easy to fool. I couldn't think how I'd explain myself away to someone stiff and correct like Whiffy Featherstonehaugh. Derivatives exˈplained adj. for which an explanation is given or available (in quot. 1685 in the comparative); cf. unexplained adj. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > clarity > [adjective] > explicit expressc1386 enunciative1531 explicate1532 expressed1534 explicit1549 unimplicit1673 explained1685 implicit1727 disimplicated1753 1685 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) I. 140 Y^e Assembly requested..that a further Explainter Sence might be admitted. 1808 H. Weber Battle of Floddon Field 235 The numbers refer to the verses in which the explained terms occur. 1988 New Scientist 26 May 78/3 As we all know, an explained or exploded incident never attracts the same attention as the original enigma. 2011 Northern Star & Rural Weekly (New S. Wales) (Nexis) 14 Oct. 2 From Monday the school will start sending text messages to the parents of absent students... A text message reply will be counted as an explained absence from school. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < v.c1425
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