explain

verb

ex·​plain ik-ˈsplān How to pronounce explain (audio)
explained; explaining; explains

transitive verb

1
a
: to make known
explain the secret of your success
b
: to make plain or understandable
footnotes that explain the terms
2
: to give the reason for or cause of
unable to explain his strange conduct
3
: to show the logical development or relationships of
explained the new theory

intransitive verb

: to make something plain or understandable
a report that suggests rather than explains
explainable adjective
Phrases
explain oneself
: to clarify one's statements or the reasons for one's conduct
Choose the Right Synonym for explain

explain, expound, explicate, elucidate, interpret mean to make something clear or understandable.

explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

Examples of explain in a Sentence

I need a lawyer to explain this contract to me. The professor explained the poem to the class. She explained how the machine worked. I explained to them that I would be available by phone. Scientists could not explain the strange lights in the sky. I don't know how to explain the dog's strange behavior. We asked him to explain his reasons to us. Can you explain why no one was informed earlier? That explains why we were so far behind schedule. Give me a chance to explain.
Recent Examples on the Web The goal, Chung explained, is to build a toy that seems to feel, see, and hear, and to show emotions that change over time. Patrick House, The New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2024 In a cutaway clip, the Brooklyn native explains her relationship with Raghu, who was previously on the singing competition two times. Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 19 Mar. 2024 How such a goal would be realized is not explained in great detail. Ryan Faughnder, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024 Mayor Tracie Nichols also explained that the city administrator chooses who should be placed on administrative leave, and the mayor must take the time necessary to investigate why this decision was made. The Enquirer, 19 Mar. 2024 Our tour guide, Marina, explained to the group that there were still families in the area who, as descendants of original investors, owned private theater boxes. Molly Young, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2024 Shu explained that 90% of the company’s gross transaction value was in the U.K. and France, where lawmakers had ruled that Deliveroo riders and other gig economy workers should be recognized as being self-employed. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 18 Mar. 2024 Its significance from a symbolic and strategic standpoint also explains why Ukraine has targeted it several times during the war. Vasco Cotovio, CNN, 18 Mar. 2024 But the real story involves a flashback that explains why Ted and Robin broke up. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'explain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English explanen, from Latin explanare, literally, to make level, from ex- + planus level, flat — more at floor

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of explain was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near explain

Cite this Entry

“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explain. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

explain

verb
ex·​plain ik-ˈsplān How to pronounce explain (audio)
1
: to make plain or understandable
2
: to give the reason for or cause of
explainable adjective
explainer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on explain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!