explain (A2)
verb
Pronunciation: /ɪkˈspleɪn/
Definition
To make something clear or easy to understand by describing it or giving reasons.
Examples
Can you explain why you were late?
The manual explains how to assemble the furniture.
She explained the rules of the game to her new friend.
How to Use explain
- explain why (prepositional phrase)
- To give the reasons for something. — "Could you explain why the project is delayed?"
- explain how (prepositional phrase)
- To describe the method or process of doing something. — "She explained how to use the new software."
- explain to someone (prepositional phrase)
- To make something clear to a particular person. — "I tried to explain the situation to my parents."
- explain something (collocation)
- To make something understandable. — "The teacher explained the concept of photosynthesis."
Synonyms of explain
Words with a similar meaning to explain:
Antonyms of explain
Words with the opposite meaning to explain:
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