Meaning & Definition of word "Explain"

Explain

/ɪkˈspleɪn/

verb:

  • 1. To make (something) clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it.
    • Example: The teacher took the time to explain the difficult concepts to the students.
  • 2. To account for or provide a reason for something.
    • Example: She tried to explain her decision to move to another city.
  • 3. To interpret or clarify the meaning of a word or phrase.
    • Example: Can you explain what this term means in the context of the article?
  • 4. To give reasons for a person's actions or beliefs.
    • Example: He felt the need to explain why he voted for that candidate.
  • 5. To describe the characteristics or elements of something.
    • Example: The scientist explained the properties of water in her lecture.

Etymology

Middle English: from Latin 'explanare', meaning 'to make plain or clear'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

let me explain:

an invitation to clarify or describe something in detail

explain away:

to try to remove blame or guilt by providing an explanation

as I explained earlier:

referring back to a previous explanation

if you can explain:

a condition that suggests needing clarification before proceeding

Related Words

explanation:

a statement or account that makes something clear.

explanatory:

serving to explain something.

explanandum:

the phenomenon or event that needs to be explained.

explanans:

the statement that explains the phenomenon.

Slang Meanings of explain

Meaning: break it down

Example Sentence: Can you break it down for me? I didn't get it.

Meaning: give the lowdown

Example Sentence: Can you give me the lowdown on the project?