Explain - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To explain means to make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving reasons for it. It often involves breaking down complex ideas into simpler parts.
Definition:
Make something clear or understandable by describing or giving reasons.
Synonyms:
clarify, elucidate, interpret, describe
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
confuse, obscure
Common Collocations:
explain clearly, explain why, explain the reason, explain in detail
Derivatives:
explanation, explanatory, explainable
Usage Tips:
Use "explain" to provide clarity or reasons; avoid overcomplicating the explanation for better understanding.
Common Phrases:
explain away, explain oneself, explain the ins and outs
Etymology:
From Latin "explanare," meaning to make plain or flatten out.
Examples:
- 1. She will explain the rules before we start.
- 2. Can you explain how this machine works?
- 3. He tried to explain his absence politely.
- 4. The teacher explained the lesson with simple examples.