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.
Animal service officials were not available to explain who had adopted the animals and whether they were adopted as pets or food.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026
The SLC said it would be contacting students "to explain what this means for them and what the next steps are, including their eligibility and entitlement, as well as confirming the repayment process".
From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026
He didn’t explain the nature of the dispute in Shreveport, a city in northwest Louisiana near the Texas border.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 19, 2026
This process unfolds relatively quickly on cosmic timescales, which helps explain why planets around tight binaries are so rarely observed.
From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026
“OK, but you can explain that, right? You can tell him you never agreed to that one, and you only wrote ‘ew’ because you were in denial.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
Vocabulary lists containing explain
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
