explain

verbmake clear; give a reason for

Word Origin & History

early 15c., from Latin explanare "to make level, smooth out;" also "to explain, make clear" (see explanation).

Originally explane, spelling altered by influence of plain. Also see plane (v.2). In 17c., occasionally used more literally, of the unfolding of material things: Evelyn has buds that "explain into leaves" ["Sylva, or, A discourse of forest-trees, and the propagation of timber in His Majesties dominions," 1664]. Related: Explained; explaining; explains.

Example Sentences for explain

Don't mind him, dad—I know all about it, I tell you—I'll explain later to you.

But before you start to read let me explain what I intend to do.

Lucas spoke to him in Flemish to explain his own return with the English prentice.

"I'll have to explain," she smiled as she introduced him to Evelyn.

Nothin' you could understand; you need a mother to explain things to you.

You're going to explain it all to me this afternoon, aren't you?

"Come down to the crick with me after tea, and I'll explain," said Will.

Which of the two, then, would our author want to explain metaphorically?

Give him this letter when he comes home, it will explain the circumstances to him.

The preacher was trying to explain to us the eternal duration of God's punishment.

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Synonyms for explain

verb make clear; give a reason for

explain

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account for

accounted for

accounting for

accounts for

annotate

annotated

explain

Synonyms for explain

Antonyms for explain

More words related to explain

.css-1unrqcp{color:inherit;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}account for

accounted for

accounting for

accounts for

annotate

annotated

account for