explain

verb

US /ɪkˈspleɪn/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	explain
he/she/it	explains
present participle	explaining
past tense	explained
past participle	explained

1
transitive to tell someone something in a way that helps them understand it better
“My full name is Juliet Avery,” Juliet explained patiently.
explain something to someone:
The doctor explained the risks to me before the operation.
explain how/when/what etc.:
I will try to explain how a car engine works.
explain (that):
He explained that he would be moving to another city.
Synonyms and related words
To make something easier to understand
explain
define
put across
1. 1a
  used about a book or picture
  This manual explains how to use your computer.
  a leaflet that explains who can claim welfare
  Synonyms and related words
  To give a reason or excuse for something
  explain
  argue
  excuse
2
transitive to give a reason for something that happens, especially when this is not easy to understand
Science cannot explain everything.
It’s difficult to explain the popularity of this new toy.
The phenomenon can be explained in various ways.
Synonyms and related words
To give a reason or excuse for something
explain
argue
excuse
1. 2a
  transitive to be the reason for something
  explain why/what etc.:
  “Tom is in the hospital.” “That explains why he wasn’t in school today.”
  Synonyms and related words
  To be connected with or related to something
  link
  surround
  correspond
2. 2b
  intransitive/transitive used when you want someone to understand and forgive you
  I can explain everything.
  Wait! Let me explain!
  Synonyms and related words
  Ways of explaining or clarifying
  after all
  as
  as a matter of fact

phrases

explain yourself

phrasal verbs

explain away

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explain ​‌‌‌

explain

explain