The meaning of EXPLAIN is to make known. How to use explain in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Explain.

EXPLAIN definition: 1. to make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it: 2…. Learn more.

To explain something is to define it, show how it works, or just tell what it is. Explaining helps people understand.

To explain is to make plain, clear, or intelligible something that is not known or understood: to explain a theory or a problem. To elucidate is to throw light on what before was dark and …

To explain means to make something clear, understandable, or comprehensible by providing information, details, or reasoning. It involves breaking down a concept, idea, process, or …

To make plain or comprehensible. 2. To define; expound: We explained our plan to the committee. 3. a. To offer reasons for or a cause of; justify: explain an error. b. To offer reasons …

There are 13 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb explain, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

To make clear, plain, or understandable. To give an explanation. To give the meaning or interpretation of; expound. To account for; state reasons for. To offer reasons for the actions, …

Jun 8, 2025 · explain (third-person singular simple present explains, present participle explaining, simple past and past participle explained) (transitive) To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to …

EXPLAIN meaning: 1 : to make (something) clear or easy to understand; 2 : to tell, show, or be the reason for or cause of something