explain
UK /ɪkˈspleɪn/ US /ɪkˈspleɪn/ Syllables: ex-plain
Quick answer
To make something clear to someone by giving details or reasons.
To explain is to make something clear so that another person understands it. You explain how a machine works, why you are late, or what a word means. A good explanation uses simple words, examples and a clear order. The verb is often followed by a that clause, a question word or a thing: explain that, explain why, explain the rules.
"The teacher explained the math problem twice before anyone understood."Meanings
- To make something clear and easy to understand.
- To give the reason for something.
Example sentences
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"Can you explain this word to me?"
Level A2, Meaning 1
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"The teacher explained how to solve the problem."
Level A2, Meaning 1
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"He explained why he was late."
Level A2, Meaning 2
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"It is hard to explain how happy I am."
Level B1, Meaning 2
Synonyms and antonyms
Look-alikes and common mistakes
- describe : Describe says what something is like. Explain says how or why it is so.
Word family and forms
Forms: explains, explained, explaining
Word partners
Words and phrases that often go with "explain".
- explain why
- explain how
- explain the rules
- explain a problem
- hard to explain
- explain clearly
Idioms and phrases
- explain away
- To give reasons so that something bad seems less serious.
- "She tried to explain away the mistake in the report."
Origin
Explain comes from Latin explanare, which meant to make flat or smooth, from ex (out) and planus (level). To explain is to flatten an idea until it is plain.
Checked against: Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Dictionary.com.
Usage notes
"Explain" is followed directly by an object or by "to" plus a person, never by a person alone, so "explain to me" rather than "explain me".
How to remember it
Ex-PLAIN: to make something plain. The word has plain inside it.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "Can you _____ this word to me?"
Answer: explain
In your own words, what does "explain" mean?
To make something clear to someone by giving details or reasons.
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Sources and credits
- Wiktionary, the free dictionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) · used for the origin, pronunciation · checked Oct 19, 2026
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary · used for the origin · checked Oct 19, 2026
- Dictionary.com · used for the origin · checked Oct 19, 2026
Last reviewed October 19, 2026. Report a mistake on this page