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 definition: 1. to make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it: 2…. Learn more.

Explanation definition: the act or process of explaining.. See examples of EXPLANATION used in a sentence.

Explain definition: to make plain or clear; render understandable or intelligible.. See examples of EXPLAIN used in a sentence.

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.

explain If you explain something, you give details about it so that it can be understood. The head teacher should be able to explain the school's teaching policy. You say that you explain something to someone. Let me explain to you about Jackie.

To explain means to make something clear, understandable, or comprehensible by providing information, details, or reasoning. It involves breaking down a concept, idea, process, or situation into simpler terms or steps in order to convey meaning or clarify any confusion.

There are 13 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb explain, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

To explain something is to define it, show how it works, or just tell what it is. Explaining helps people understand.

Jun 29, 2025 · explain (third-person singular simple present explains, present participle explaining, simple past and past participle explained) (transitive) To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of. The issue was explained to the governor in detail.