Explain — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ik-ˈsplān/ ex·plain

Meaning & Definition of Explain

Explain (verb)

  1. to make known, expound
  2. to make plain or understandable
  3. to give the reason for or cause of

Explain (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to make plain or understandable

    "a pamphlet that explains the medical procedure in language that any layperson can understand"

    similar: clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, simplify, spell out, unriddle
    related: decipher, decode, analyze, break down, disentangle, undo, unravel, unscramble, untangle, resolve, solve, define, specify, annotate, commentate, gloss
    opposite: obscure
    near: befog, cloud, confound, confuse, obfuscate

  2. to give the reason for or cause of

    "can you explain your very odd behavior at the wedding reception?"

    similar: account (for), attribute, explain away, rationalize
    related: condone, excuse, forgive, justify, absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

Related Entry: Explain away (verb)

Explain away is a different word from Explain. The synonyms below are for explain away, not for explain.

  1. to give the reason for or cause of

    "after the surprise attack, military leaders struggled to explain away the nation's unpreparedness"

    similar: account (for), attribute, explain, rationalize
    related: condone, excuse, forgive, justify, absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

  2. to make (something) seem less bad by offering excuses

    "tried to explain away his adulterous affairs by saying that men are promiscuous by nature"

    similar: deodorize, excuse, extenuate, gloss (over), gloze (over), palliate, whitewash
    related: sugarcoat, varnish, apologize, atone, confess, account (for), explain, justify, rationalize, minimize, play down, soft-pedal, alleviate, ease, lessen, lighten, mitigate, moderate, soften, temper, absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Explain

The most common words with a similar meaning to Explain:

clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, simplify, spell out, unriddle, account (for), attribute, explain away, rationalize

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Explain

Words with the opposite meaning of Explain:

obscure

Related Words for Explain

decipher, decode, analyze, break down, disentangle, undo, unravel, unscramble, untangle, resolve, solve, define, specify, annotate, commentate, gloss, condone, excuse, forgive, justify, absolve, acquit, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

Near Antonyms of Explain

befog, cloud, confound, confuse, obfuscate

Word Forms of Explain

Inflections: explained, explaining, explains

Derived words: explainable (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Explain

Middle English explanen, from Latin explanare, literally, to make level, from ex- + planus level, flat floor

First known use: 15th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Explain

Words & Phrases Containing Explain

explain away, explain oneself, hasten to add/say/explain (etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions about Explain

What does "Explain" mean?

"Explain" means to make known, expound. As a verb, it is defined as: to make known, expound. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Explain"?

Other words for "Explain" include clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explicate and expound. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Explain" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Explain"?

There are 44 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Explain". Common alternatives include clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, elucidate, explicate, expound, get across and illuminate.

What is the opposite of "Explain"?

Antonyms of "Explain" include obscure. Near antonyms include befog, cloud, confound and confuse.

How do you use "Explain" in a sentence?

Examples of "Explain" in a sentence: "a pamphlet that explains the medical procedure in language that any layperson can understand"; "can you explain your very odd behavior at the wedding reception?".

Is "Explain" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Explain" is a verb.

Is "Explain" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A1-level word, "Explain" is typical of Cambridge A1 Movers (Young Learners), TOEIC Listening & Reading 120+.

How do you pronounce "Explain"?

"Explain" is pronounced /ik-ˈsplān/ and divided into syllables as ex·plain.