verb
explain
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verb
1
To make something clear or easier to understand.
"Can you explain how this machine works?"
"The teacher explained the math problem step by step."
2
To give the reason or cause for something.
"He explained his absence by saying he'd been ill."
How to Use Explain
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something understandable, or to give a reason for something.
Common pairings
explain a concept
explain why
hard to explain
Word Forms
explained past tense, explains singular
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Etymology
From Latin explanare, "to flatten, make level, make clear," from ex- ("out") + planare ("to flatten") — related to "plain" and "plane."