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ex·plain
 explain
- pronunciation:
- ihk
spleIn
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb
- phrases:
- explain away
- features:
- Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
explained, explaining, explains |
| definition 1: |
to make clear in speech or writing; make plain or understandable by analysis or description.
The instructor explained the operation of the engine.The flight attendant explained how the exit doors can be opened.She finally explained why she could not marry him.Your sister can explain what you need to do.The instructions explain how to combine the ingredients.- synonyms:
- elucidate, explicate, show, spell out
- antonyms:
- obfuscate
- similar words:
- account, amplify, clarify, define, delineate, demonstrate, exhibit, get across, interpret, simplify, translate, unravel, untangle
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| definition 2: |
to give reasons for.
Please explain your absence from the meeting this morning.He could not explain his wife's leaving--hadn't he always been a good husband to her?- synonyms:
- account for, rationalize
- similar words:
- amplify, defend, justify, vindicate, warrant
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| definition 3: |
to say as a reason.
She wondered why he was late, and he explained that he missed the bus. |
| definition 4: |
to tell the meaning or significance of.
The student understood the paragraph after the teacher explained the idioms.Scientists have often observed this phenomenon, but they cannot explain it yet.I liked the poem once it was explained to me.- synonyms:
- account for
- similar words:
- interpret
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| related words: |
articulate, clear, construe, define, excuse, exemplify, expound, gloss, illuminate, illustrate, plead, promulgate, solve, unfold |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition: |
to make a clarification or give an explanation.
- synonyms:
- elucidate
- similar words:
- amplify, decipher, demonstrate, expound, interpret
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| related words: |
comment, illustrate, inform |
| phrase: |
explain away |
| derivation: |
explainable (adj.) |
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