First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
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
1
a : to make known <explain the secret of your success> b : to make plain or understandable <footnotes that explain the terms>
2
: to give the reason for or cause of <unable to explain his strange conduct>
3
: 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
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Origin of EXPLAIN
Middle English explanen, from Latin explanare, literally, to make level, from ex- + planus level, flat — more at floor
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
explain
verb ex·plain \ik-ˈsplān\
ex·plainedex·plain·ing
Definition of EXPLAIN for Kids
1
: to make clear : clarify <Let me explain how it works.>
2
: to give the reasons for or cause of <Please explain why you're late.>
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