EXPLAIN definition: 1. to make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it: 2…. Learn more.
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 obscure, usually by illustration and commentary and sometimes by elaborate explanation: They asked him to elucidate his statement.
explain, expound, explicate, elucidate, interpret mean to make something clear or understandable. explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.
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 for the actions, beliefs, or remarks of (oneself). To make something plain or comprehensible: Let me explain.
Explain, elucidate, expound, interpret imply making the meaning of something clear or understandable. To explain is to make plain, clear, or intelligible something that is not known or understood: to explain a theory or a problem.
explain (third-person singular simple present explains, present participle explaining, simple past and past participle explained) (transitive) To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.
Explain is the most general of these words, and means to make plain, clear, and intelligible. Expound is used of elaborate, formal, or methodical explanation: as, to expound a text, the law, the philosophy of Aristotle.
to make clear in speech or writing; make plain or understandable by analysis or description. The instructor explained the operation of the engine to the students.