The meaning of EXPLAIN is to make known. How to use explain in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Explain.

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

To explain something is to make it plain or clear, or to render it understandable or intelligible. How does explain compare to synonyms elucidate, expound, and interpret?

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

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.

To make plain or comprehensible. 2. To define; expound: We explained our plan to the committee. 3. a. To offer reasons for or a cause of; justify: explain an error. b. To offer reasons for the actions, beliefs, or remarks of (oneself). To make something plain or …

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. quotations The issue was explained to the governor in detail.

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.

Explain, elucidate, expound, interpret imply making the meaning of something clear or understandable. To explain is to make plain, clear, or intelligible something that is not known or understood: to explain a theory or a problem.

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.