Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
       

ex·plain

explain

 
 
pronunciation:
ihk spleIn
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
phrases:
explain away
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: explains, explaining, explained
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 to the students.Your supervisor will explain to you what the job involves.[verb + to smby/smth + object ] The flight attendant explained how the exit doors can be opened.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause ] She finally explained why she could not marry him.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause ] The instructions explain how to combine the ingredients.[verb + WH/whether + infinitive ] He explained accepting this other job offer, but I still don't understand his motivation.[verb + gerund ]
 
synonyms:
elucidate, explicate, show, spell out
antonyms:
obfuscate
similar words:
account, amplify, clarify, define, delineate, demonstrate, exhibit, get across, interpret, simplify, translate, unravel, untangle
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?[verb + possessive adj + gerund ]
synonyms:
account for, rationalize
similar words:
amplify, defend, justify, vindicate, warrant
definition 3: to say as a reason.
She wondered why he was late, and he explained that he missed the bus.[verb + (that) + clause ] I have already explained that we are not equipped to handle such large orders.[verb + (that) + clause ] The manager explained to them that the large table was reserved.[verb + to smby/smth + object ]
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
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to make a clarification or give an explanation.
She knew her parents were puzzled, but she did not explain.Could you explain again about the stock market crash?
synonyms:
elucidate
similar words:
amplify, decipher, demonstrate, expound, interpret
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
phrase: explain away
derivation: explainable (adj.)
Word Explorer
See
  education, literature