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.
“No, no. He wants to explain it to you in person.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
Remote work can explain 64% of the recent increase in unemployment among young college graduates, according to an analysis from The New York Federal Reserve.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026
The initiation alone doesn’t fully explain the stock’s upward momentum.
From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026
The investigation may eventually explain how the plane crashed.
From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026
“And that would explain why I got a call at the beginning of one shift and the end of another,” I agree.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
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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