explains; explained; explaining
1
: to make (something) clear or easy to understand
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.
2
: to tell, show, or be the reason for or cause of something
Scientists could not explain the strange lights in the sky.
I don't know how to explain the dog's strange behavior.
"I need to rest," I explained to them. = I explained to them that I needed to rest.
We asked him to explain his reasons to us.
Can you explain why no one was informed earlier?
Well, that explains it!
That explains why we we're so far behind schedule.
Give me a chance to explain.
Cite this Entry
“Explain.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/explain. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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