explain

verb

ex·​plain ik-ˈsplān 

explained; explaining; explains

transitive verb

1

a

: to make known : expound entry 2

Explain to us the secret of your success.

b

: to make plain or understandable

footnotes that explain the terms

2

: to give the reason for or cause of

unable to explain his strange conduct

3

: to show the logical development or relationships of

explained the new theory

intransitive verb

: to make something plain or understandable

a report that suggests rather than explains

explainable

ik-ˈsplā-nə-bəl 

adjective

see also:

explain oneself

Synonyms of explain

• clarify
• illustrate
• demonstrate
• simplify
• interpret

Choose the Right Synonym for explain

explain, expound, explicate, elucidate, interpret mean to make something clear or understandable.

explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.

explain the rules

expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

expounding a scientific theory

explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.

explicate a poem

elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.

elucidate an obscure passage

interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.

interpreting a work of art

Examples of explain in a Sentence

I need a lawyer to explain this contract to me.

The professor explained the poem to the class.

She explained how the machine worked.

I explained to them that I would be available by phone.

Scientists could not explain the strange lights in the sky.

I don't know how to explain the dog's strange behavior.

We asked him to explain his reasons to us.

Can you explain why no one was informed earlier?

That explains why we were so far behind schedule.

Give me a chance to explain.

Recent Examples on the Web

While several workers explained how the undercover team could proceed under the vouching rules, others became suspicious of the group and took issue with the investigation. — Mark Vancleave, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Jansen Trotter Fannin County In its initial statement, the Leonard Police Department did not identify the underlying misconduct, explain what Trotter allegedly knew or failed to report, or identify anyone else involved. — Doug Myers, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

This explains why Wawrinka, who won as many majors as Andy Murray, never made the Big Four a Big Five — even in his own mind. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026

As the Fed makes a new interest rate decision today, Fortune’s Eleanor Pringle explains how the hikes gave the world’s most powerful central bank policymakers a place to talk freely. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English explanen, from Latin explanare, literally, to make level, from ex- + planus level, flat — more at floor

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1b

Phrases Containing explain

• explain away
• explain oneself
• hasten to add/say/explain (etc.)

Rhymes for explain

• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane
• betaine
• biplane
• blockchain
• butane
• campaign

Kids Definition

explain

verb

ex·​plain ik-ˈsplān 

1

: to make plain or understandable

2

: to give the reason for or cause of

explainable

-ˈsplā-nə-bəl 

adjective

explainer noun