Meaning & Definition of Explain in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To make an idea, situation, or problem clear to someone by describing it in more detail.

  Example Sentence: Can you explain how this machine works?

• Definition: To give a reason for something.

  Example Sentence: He couldn't explain his behavior at the meeting.

• Definition: To clarify by providing additional details or context.

  Example Sentence: She was asked to explain her rationale for the decision.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

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

Translations

• Spanish: explicar

• French: expliquer

• German: erklären

• Russian: объяснить

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?