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.
She said she found herself having to explain the condition to the medical professionals she had gone to for help.
From BBC • May 20, 2026
Scientists infer its existence because gravity around galaxies appears stronger than visible matter alone can explain.
From Science Daily • May 19, 2026
That skills gap, he said, can explain how many grads are struggling to find work.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 19, 2026
But in the case of the power line planting, temperature and rainfall data failed to fully explain why so many of the seedlings didn’t establish, Polyakov said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026
“No reason,” Elliot said, saving me from trying to explain the unexplainable.
From "Glitch" by Laura Martin
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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