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.
And a look at Rossetti’s social media presence helps explain why.
From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026
It got to be too much, he’d explain later, continuing to hustle to keep his baseball career afloat while keeping his sexuality secret, acutely aware of the blowback he’d get if it got out.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026
You can always send a text the next day and explain.
From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026
Her stories seek to explain Canada's evolving relationship with the U.S. and its broader place in the world.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026
“We’ll explain, and then if you want to go back to the mountain, that’s your call. We can’t force you to be a criminal.”
From "Glitch" by Laura Martin
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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