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.
The findings help explain how non-drug approaches like meditation may support overall health.
From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026
Luna had to explain to the friend later that calling a couple of times was sufficient.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
Here’s how to explain this to your financial adviser: Every time an AI model has a conversation with you, it remembers what you’ve said.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026
Then the conversation peters out as we try to explain what “woke” means, which is difficult enough even when you’re not talking to a dead 19th-century philosopher.
From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026
What if they were about to explain more, explain everything?
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.
