explain
Usage
What are other ways to say explain?
To explain is to make plain, clear, or intelligible something that is not known or understood: to explain a theory or a problem. To elucidate is to throw light on what before was dark and obscure, usually by illustration and commentary and sometimes by elaborate explanation: They asked him to elucidate his statement. To expound is to give a methodical, detailed, scholarly explanation of something, usually Scriptures, doctrines, or philosophy: to expound the doctrine of free will. To interpret is to give the meaning of something by paraphrase, by translation, or by an explanation based on personal opinion: to interpret a poem or a symbol.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
In a split second, he says, something crossed his path – something he still cannot explain.
From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026
This helps explain how the material can retain its brilliance for centuries.
From Science Daily • Jun. 12, 2026
Consider a statistic known as the “R-squared,” which measures the degree to which a given stock-market indicator is able to predict or explain the market’s future return.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 12, 2026
Hochman did not explain in his court filing how he arrived at that figure.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
“Son, if I have to explain that to you, we’ll be here till morning.”
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
Vocabulary lists containing explain
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4
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