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explain

ex·plain

explain

 
 
pronunciation:
ihk spleIn
phrases:
explain away
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: verb
inflections: explains, explaining, explained
definition 1: to make clear in speech or writing; show in detail.
The carpenter explained how he had made the cabinets.
 
synonyms:
show, spell out
similar words:
account, amplify, clarify, demonstrate, get across, interpret, simplify, unravel, untangle
definition 2: to give reasons for.
Please explain why you were not in class this morning.
synonyms:
account for
similar words:
amplify, defend, justify, warrant
definition 3: to show the meaning of.
The museum guide explained the painting to us.
synonyms:
account for
similar words:
interpret
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: explain away
derivation: explainable (adj.)
Word Explorer
See
  education, literature