Skip to main content

explainto make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it

Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪkˈspleɪn/

Korean meaning: 설명하다, 해명하다

Korean pronunciation: 익**스플**레인

Example Sentences

  • My cat can't explain why it knocked over my coffee mug at 3 AM.
  • The teacher explained the math problem step by step.
  • How do you explain a smartphone to someone from the 1800s?

explain

VERB

//ɪkˈspleɪn//

to make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it

explain concept
💡 Concept

The teacher explains the water cycle with a simple sketch on the board.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ɪkˈspleɪn/
🇬🇧 UK/ɪkˈspleɪn/

🌳Etymology

Prefixex--
Rootplain

Origin

From Latin 'explanare' meaning 'to flatten out' or 'make plain', composed of 'ex-' (out) and 'planare' (to make flat or plain). The word entered English via Old French 'expliquer' in the 14th century.

🎵Rhyme

plainraingainmainbrain
plain
rain
gain
main
brain

🔗Collocations

explain clearly
explain in detail
explain the reason
explain away
hard to explain
explain yourself

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

My cat can't explain why it knocked over my coffee mug at 3 AM.

The teacher explained the math problem step by step.

😄 Fun example

How do you explain a smartphone to someone from the 1800s?

She explained her decision to quit the job.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

clarifydescribeillustratedemonstrateelaborate

Antonyms

confusecomplicateobscure

Related

explanationexplanatoryexplicitexpoundelucidate

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.