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.
State wildlife officials have finally come up with a theory to explain where a giant, highly destructive rodent that’s been terrorizing California came from: Oregon.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
This insight helps explain how magnetism and superconductivity can coexist in materials with strong directional properties like UTe2.
From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026
Asked to explain what had happened with Labrinth and the show, Euphoria creator Sam Levinson told Rolling Stone: "I don't know."
From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026
That might help explain the stock market’s gain on Wednesday, according to Stucky.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026
He’s watching me, waiting, but I’m not sure how to explain.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
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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