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explain
[ ik-spleyn ]
verb (used with object)
- to make plain or clear; render understandable or intelligible:
to explain an obscure point.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
- to make known in detail:
to explain how to do something.
- to assign a meaning to; interpret:
How can you explain such a silly remark?
- to make clear the cause or reason of; account for:
I cannot explain his strange behavior.
Synonyms:
verb (used without object)
- to give an explanation.
verb phrase
- to diminish or nullify the significance of by explanation:
He couldn't explain away his absence from home at the time the robbery was committed.
- to dispel (doubts, difficulties, etc.) by explanation:
She explained away the child's fears.
explain
/ ɪˈɪ /
verb
- when tr, may take a clause as object to make (something) comprehensible, esp by giving a clear and detailed account of the relevant structure, operation, surrounding circumstances, etc
- tr to justify or attempt to justify (oneself) by giving reasons for one's actions or words
Derived Forms
- ˈԲ, adjective
- ˈԱ, noun
Other 51Թ Forms
- ·a· adjective
- ·İ ··Բ·ٴǰ [ek, -spl, uh, -ney-ter], noun
- e·Ա adjective
- non·a· adjective
- v·· verb
- e· verb
- e· verb (used with object)
- un·a· adjective
- ܲe·a· adverb
- ܲe·Ա adjective
- ܲe·iԲ adjective
- ɱ-·Ա adjective
51Թ History and Origins
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of explain1
Example Sentences
Serhiy Leshchenko, an advisor to Zelensky's office, explains: "We have to be visible to the world. If public opinion is on Ukraine's side, there is a better chance to get help from the international community."
"My leg turned blue, yellow, and purple with internal bleeding," he explained.
He explains that the journey to release it was rather unexpected.
She’s a little embarrassed, struggling to explain why she would want to tackle another lonely, thankless project, but defiant too, because, clearly, this is a mission.
It explains why she finds herself on a Zoom detailing the learning curve on the art of a picture-perfect piercing cut.
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Related 51Թs
When To Use
What are other ways to say explain?
To explain something is to make it plain or clear, or to render it understandable or intelligible. How does explain compare to synonyms elucidate, expound, and interpret? Find out on .
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