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.
“When I explain why to people, they’re happy to pay what I ask them,” Flores said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026
The planet has several unusual features that scientists still struggle to explain.
From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026
Goodspeed travels back to the 18th century to downturns in the U.S. and the United Kingdom to explain why the common narrative that one seismic shock will flip an economy on its head is wrong.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
The president used the address to explain why he launched the war.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
He’s watching me, waiting, but I’m not sure how to explain.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
