Definition and meaning of English word "explain"
explain
/ɛksˈpleɪn/
Meaning
VerbTo make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.
How to use
In academic and professional settings, 'explain' is often used to clarify complex concepts or ideas. For example, a teacher might ask students to explain a difficult mathematical concept, while a scientist might explain the results of an experiment. However, it's worth noting that 'explain' can sometimes be used in a more informal sense, such as when asking someone to explain why they did something. This can lead to grammatical errors, such as using the present perfect tense instead of the past simple tense.
🇬🇧 English
explain
Example
He explains well.
She explains rules.
Your personal vocabulary
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Common phrases
- explain the concept— to make something clear or easier to understand
- explain the situation— to make something clear or easier to understand
- explain the results— to make something clear or easier to understand
- explain the data— to make something clear or easier to understand
- explain the problem— to make something clear or easier to understand
More Extended Verbs words
This concept in other languages
Frequency rank: #94 in English
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the English word "explain" mean?▼
The English word "explain" means "explain" in English.
How do you pronounce the English word "explain"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "explain" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "explain"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "He explains well." (which translates as "explain").
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