explain

verb ex·plain \ik-ˈsplān\

: to make (something) clear or easy to understand

: to tell, show, or be the reason for or cause of something

Full Definition of EXPLAIN

transitive verb

a : to make known <explain the secret of your success>

b : to make plain or understandable <footnotes that explain the terms>

: to give the reason for or cause of <unable to explain his strange conduct>

: to show the logical development or relationships of <explained the new theory>

intransitive verb

: to make something plain or understandable <a report that suggests rather than explains>

— ex·plain·able \-ˈsplā-nə-bəl\ adjective

— ex·plain·er noun

— explain oneself

: to clarify one's statements or the reasons for one's conduct

See explain defined for English-language learners

See explain defined for kids

Origin of EXPLAIN

Middle English explanen, from Latin explanare, literally, to make level, from ex- + planus level, flat — more at floor

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to EXPLAIN

Synonyms: clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, simplify, spell out, unriddle

Antonyms: obscure

Synonym Discussion of EXPLAIN

explain, expound, explicate, elucidate, interpret mean to make something clear or understandable. explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known <explain the rules>. expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation <expounding a scientific theory>. explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis <explicate a poem>. elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit <elucidate an obscure passage>. interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something <interpreting a work of art>.

EXPLAIN Defined for Kids