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.
See Examples For:
Meta’s gigantic “Hyperion” data-center project in Louisiana, which is the size of about 1,700 football fields, helps explain how big obligations wind up off tech companies’ balance sheets.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026
And that may explain why they seem to be less popular than other DC heroes.
From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026
It helps explain the extraordinary stability of protons, which form a central part of atomic nuclei and do not appear to decay under ordinary circumstances.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026
Many of the diet’s principles are surprisingly simple, which could explain its enduring popularity and effectiveness and why nutrition experts often describe it as an eating pattern rather than a diet.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 16, 2026
“I really miss you. I don’t even have the words, eh? No words can explain the way I miss you.”
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
It’s a catchy idea that explains why figures like Peter Parker, Luke Skywalker and Harry Potter have a lasting hold on their fans in ways that other heroes don’t.
From Salon ● Aug. 16, 2026
Yang, 38, also explains financial concepts in his videos.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
The BBC's Nada Tawfik explains what could happen next.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
In commentary published Thursday, Buchbinder explains that the stock market’s relationship with bonds is fluid.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 14, 2026
It explains what happened to our knowledge of the brain as a result.
From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman
Sitting in matching recliners earlier this summer, she and her mother explained that they once had a quiet life.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 16, 2026
DHS just needed to submit a letter officially requesting the data for those purposes, an attorney in the legal counsel’s office explained, according to internal emails.
From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2026
"The world is mine, and that of my friends we grew up in," he explained.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
“He explained practical things like colon cancer and bowel movements,” Winfrey told Emmy Magazine.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026
“Luc did tell me about the firing lines—but only because he’s been trying to help bring me up to par,” I explained.
From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse
"We just filed our motion in state court, explaining why the state charges must be dismissed under New York's double jeopardy protections," said Mangione's lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo.
From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 2026
Penny went through the whole thing, explaining: Use the frequent flier miles for the best deal for the business class tickets and use cash for the ones in the back.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
This is an "active burrow", the conservationist said, explaining that the water voles have been "mushing" their droppings.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
“It’s mostly for the kids,” Josh said, explaining that a European passport could open up education and job opportunities for them.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
“I told Marlon it’s gotta be more to it. But ooohwee, you got some explaining to do to the El—whoa!”
From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas
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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