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.
On another program, when Colombia’s most seasoned female television anchor asked him to explain how he could morally defend certain underworld figures, he shot back: “Not everything that is immoral or unethical is illegal.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
For example, a justice might explain how a merits decision from the court, like April’s Callais case, regarding Louisiana’s congressional maps, might not cover an Alabama map because of different facts on the ground.
From Slate • Jun. 2, 2026
Beyond helping explain mysterious radio signals, the system also offers scientists a rare opportunity to study extreme physical conditions that cannot be recreated in laboratories on Earth.
From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 2026
“No, no. He wants to explain it to you in person.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
I try to explain it again, so she understands better.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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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