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.
And a look at Rossetti’s social media presence helps explain why.
From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026
“Nothing else would explain why a party born out of satire would receive such a huge following.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
It got to be too much, he’d explain later, continuing to hustle to keep his baseball career afloat while keeping his sexuality secret, acutely aware of the blowback he’d get if it got out.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
“How do you clarify or explain the purpose of a ‘home theater?’
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026
“Professor Callaway will explain, since this is his area of expertise.”
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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