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Explain

/ɛkˈspleɪn/

To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.

📖 Definitions of "Explain"

verb
  1. 1

    To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.

    "To explain a chapter of the Bible."

  2. 2

    To give a valid excuse for past behavior.

  3. 3

    To make flat, smooth out.

  4. 4

    To unfold or make visible.

🔄 Synonyms of "Explain"

2 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.

WordDefinition
explicateverb(transitive) To explain meticulously or in great detail.
excusenoun(countable, uncountable) An explanation designed to avoid or alleviate guilt or negative judgment; a plea offered in extenuation of a fault.

↔️ Antonyms of "Explain"

Words with the opposite meaning.

WordDefinition
retailnoun(business) The sale of goods directly to the consumer, encompassing the storefronts, mail-order, websites, etc., and the corporate mechanisms, branding, advertising, etc. that support them.

💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Explain"

Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.

WordDefinition
explicateverb(transitive) To explain meticulously or in great detail.
excuseverb(transitive) To forgive; to pardon; to overlook.
declareverb(transitive, intransitive) To assert or announce formally, officially, explicitly, or emphatically.
elucidateverb(figurative) To make (something) clear and understandable; to clarify, to illuminate, to shed light on.
clarifyingnounProviding clarity; making clear.
defineverbTo state the meaning of a word, phrase, sign, or symbol.
explanationnounSomething that explains or makes understandable.
explanatoryIntended to serve as an explanation.
specifyverb(transitive) To state explicitly, or in detail, or as a condition.
commentverb(intransitive, with "on" or "about") To make remarks or notes; to express a view regarding.
mentionverbTo make a short reference to something.
indicateverb(transitive, sometimes with 'of') To point out; to discover; to direct to a knowledge of; to show; to make known.
resultverb(intransitive, followed by "in") To have as a consequence; to lead to; to bring about
attributableCapable of being attributed.
understandverb(transitive, intransitive, of communication or means of communication: words, statements, signs, etc.) To know the meaning of; to parse or have parsed correctly; to comprehend.
demonstrateverb(transitive) To show, display, or present; to prove or make evident
expoundverb(transitive) To set out the meaning of; to explain or discuss at length.
answerverb(ambitransitive) To make a reply or response to.
tellverb(transitive, ditransitive) To convey by speech; to say.
rationalenounAn explanation of the basis or fundamental reasons for something.

Words Strongly Associated with "Explain"

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🎨 Adjectives for "Explain"

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🏷️ Nouns for "Explain"

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📝 Common Phrases with "Explain"

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