Explain
/ɪkˈspleɪn/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make something clear by describing it in more detail or giving reasons.
/ɪkˈspleɪn/
To make something clear or understandable by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts.
She explained the rules of the game to the new players.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to help a friend understand why your favorite team lost the game. You 'explain' it by telling them all the reasons, like bad calls by the referee or missing a key player. You break it down so they get it!
👶 For kids: To tell someone how something works or what it means, in a way they can understand.
More Examples
He explained the problem in simple terms.
Can you explain what happened?
How It's Used
"The teacher explained the concept of photosynthesis to the students."
"Scientists try to explain the origins of the universe."
"Could you explain why you were late?"
To provide the reasons or causes for something.
/ɪkˈspleɪn/
To give a reason for something or provide an account of it.
The detective explained the crime scene to the investigators.
💡 Simply: Imagine your mom asks why your room is messy. You 'explain' it by saying you were busy with homework and didn't have time to clean. You're giving the reason!
👶 For kids: To tell someone why something happened.
More Examples
She explained her behavior by citing stress.
He tried to explain his actions.
How It's Used
"He explained his absence by saying he was stuck in traffic."
"The lawyer explained the defendant's actions by pointing to the extenuating circumstances."
Idioms & expressions
explain away
To make excuses or find reasons for something that seems wrong or difficult to understand, especially to reduce the apparent fault or guilt.
"He tried to explain away his rude behavior by saying he was tired."
From Middle English explānen, from Old French esplaner (to make plain), from Latin explānāre (to make level, explain), from ex- (out) + plānus (flat, level).
The word 'explain' has been used since the 14th century. Its meaning has remained relatively consistent, evolving from 'to make plain' to encompassing a broader sense of clarifying and providing reasons.
Memory tip
Think of 'plain' – to make something plain is to make it easy to understand.