explain
To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.
Verb 3 meanings
To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.
“The issue was explained to the governor in detail.”
To give the reason for, justification for, or cause of.
To make something plain or intelligible.
“She tried to explain but he wouldn’t listen.”
Etymology
From Middle English explanen, from Old French explaner, from Latin explanō (“to flatten, spread out, make plain or clear, explain”), from ex- (“out”) + planō (“to flatten, make level”), from planus (“level, plain”); see plain and plane. Compare esplanade, splanade. Displaced Old English reċċan.
Similar and opposite words
EXPLAIN at a glance
EXPLAIN has 7 letters and scores 16 points in Scrabble (E 1 + X 8 + P 3 + L 1 + A 1 + I 1 + N 1) and 19 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #1,325 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with explain
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