Dictionary Home »
Dictionary Definitions » explain
explain
Explain is defined as to make something clear or to account for something or tell why something happened.
(verb)- An example of explain is for a teacher to show her students how to solve division problems.
- An example of explain is for a student to tell his teacher why he did not complete his homework last night.
YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.
See explain in Webster's New World College Dictionary
transitive verb
- to make clear, plain, or understandable
- to give the meaning or interpretation of; expound
- to account for; state reasons for
Origin: ME explanen < L explanare, to flatten < ex-, out + planare, to make level < planus, level (see plane): sp. infl. by plain
intransitive verb
to give an explanation
Related Forms:
- explainable adjective
See explain in American Heritage Dictionary 4
verb ex·plained, ex·plain·ing, ex·plains verb, transitive
- To make plain or comprehensible.
- To define; expound: We explained our plan to the committee.
- a. To offer reasons for or a cause of; justify: explain an error.b. To offer reasons for the actions, beliefs, or remarks of (oneself).
To make something plain or comprehensible: Let me explain.
Phrasal Verb: explain away To dismiss or get rid of by or as if by explaining. To minimize by explanation.Origin:
Origin: Middle English explanen
Origin: , from Latin explānāre
Origin: : ex-, intensive pref.; see ex-
Origin: + plānus, clear; see pelə-2 in Indo-European roots
.Related Forms:
- ex·plainˈa·ble adjective
Learn more about explain
