Explain means to make an idea, situation, or problem clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas. Read on for synonym and other words for Explain.
Explain in a sentence
She was asked to explain her reasons for being late.
"Explain" 31 synonyms and related terms with examples
Looking to use another word for Explain in an essay or an email? Use these! 👇
clarify
Could you clarify your last statement?
elucidate
The scientist sought to elucidate the complex principles behind the experiment.
explicate
He had to explicate his theory for the committee.
expound
The professor will expound on his latest research findings.
interpret
The lawyer had to interpret the legal document for the client.
illustrate
Can you illustrate your point with an example?
describe
The witness described what she saw at the scene.
define
The instructor defined each term clearly.
demonstrate
She demonstrated how to use the new software.
unpack
He took a moment to unpack the complex issue.
illuminate
The professor's lecture illuminated the subject.
decipher
I couldn't decipher the meaning of the old text.
unravel
The detective unraveled the mystery by the end of the book.
simplify
Please simplify those complicated instructions.
articulate
She tried to articulate her thoughts clearly.
break down
Let me break down the process for you.
elaborate
Can you elaborate on your answer?
spell out
She spelled out the rules clearly.
mention
He mentioned an interesting concept during the seminar.
recount
She recounted the details of her trip.
clarion
His words were meant to clarion the need for change.
enlighten
The talk will enlighten us on new trends in technology.
make clear
Can you make clear the purpose of this exercise?
narrate
The guide will narrate the history of the ancient city.
convey
It's hard to convey the depth of my feelings.
communicate
She tried to communicate her ideas effectively.
teach
The tutor taught me how to solve complex problems.
instruct
The manual instructs users how to operate the device.
guide
He will guide you through the registration process.
inform
She informed us about the next steps in the project.
detail
Please detail the procedure in your report.
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Examples of explain on Reddit
"Explain" is used in real world conversations right now:
TIL that André the Giant grew so fast that his own parents didn't recognize him. He left home at 14 and returned at 19, having already become a professional wrestler. As he explained his career choice, they realized they had seen him wrestle on TV under his alias, without knowing it was their son. posted on todayilearned
My 10yr old/5th grade homework. Instructions say to round each decimal to the nearest whole number. My son insists the answer is 0. According to the instructions, he is correct. I explained that you can’t paint 37 walls with 0 gallons of paint. Messaged his math teacher. She said the answer is 0. posted on mildlyinfuriating
TIL in 1990, First Lady Barbara Bush criticized The Simpsons as “the dumbest thing I've ever seen." Marge wrote a letter to her, in character, politely telling her not to be so judgmental and explaining that her family tried their best. Mrs Bush later apologized for her “loose tongue” posted on todayilearned
These pizzas were bought for me by another reddit member. I made a post explaining how I lost everything but my job in Irma & am now homeless. I was just asking for advice but a kind hearted person made sure I had a warm meal to eat. Thank you, so much. posted on pics
YSK That there is a Youtuber called "Dad, how do I?" that explains everyday things that might need a father-figure to help you with. His Dad walked out on him when he was 12, he makes maintenance vides for people with no Dad. posted on YouShouldKnow
Stephen Hawking leaves behind 'breathtaking' final multiverse theory - A final theory explaining how mankind might detect parallel universes was completed by Stephen Hawking shortly before he died, it has emerged. posted on Futurology
LPT: If you're trying to explain net neutrality to someone who doesn't understand, compare it to the possibility of the phone company charging you more for calling certain family members or businesses. posted on LifeProTips
In 1984 a German correspondent in Paris explains how to cross Place de la Concorde. "Walk in a steady pace and never look at the drivers, then they'll think you need to stop for them." posted on funny
Twenty years from now, kids are gonna think "Baby it's cold outside" is really weird, and we're gonna have to explain that it has to be understood as a product of its time. posted on Jokes
This woman was so nervous about flying, so the flight attendant explained every sound and bump and even sat here holding her hand when it still got to be too much for her. posted on MadeMeSmile
Weird random fact 🙃
A word that reads the same upside down and right side up is called an ambigram. The word "SWIMS" is an example.