Explain

To make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving reasons for it, To give reasons for an event or situation, To provide information in detail about a subject or topic

Explain - Meanings

To make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving reasons for it

Example: Can you explain the rules of the game to me?

Usage: formalContext: educational settings, professional discussions

Note: This is the most common meaning of 'explain' and is used to clarify information or concepts.

To give reasons for an event or situation

Example: He explained that he was late because of traffic.

Usage: formal/informalContext: everyday conversations, work explanations

Note: This meaning is used to provide justification or rationale for something that has occurred.

To provide information in detail about a subject or topic

Example: The professor explained the theory in great detail.

Usage: formalContext: academic presentations, technical discussions

Note: This usage involves giving a thorough account or analysis of a particular subject.

Explain's synonyms

clarify

To make something clear or easy to understand by explaining it further or in more detail.

Example: Can you clarify your point about the new project timeline?

Note: Clarify often implies providing additional details to enhance understanding.

elucidate

To explain something in a way that makes it clear and understandable.

Example: The professor elucidated the complex theory with simple examples.

Note: Elucidate is often used in formal or academic contexts to convey a deeper level of explanation.

expound

To present or explain an idea or theory in detail.

Example: The author expounded on the themes of love and loss in her novel.

Note: Expound is used when discussing complex or detailed topics in a thorough manner.

interpret

To explain the meaning of something by providing one's own understanding or analysis.

Example: The art historian interpreted the painting as a commentary on political corruption.

Note: Interpret often involves offering a personal perspective or analysis of the subject being explained.

Explain expressions, common phrases

Break it down

To explain something in simpler or more detailed terms.

Example: Can you break down the steps for me?

Note: This phrase implies a more detailed explanation or simplification.

Put it simply

To explain something in a straightforward or easy-to-understand manner.

Example: Let me put it simply, we need to finish by Friday.

Note: This phrase suggests making the explanation easier to grasp.

Spell it out

To explain something clearly and in detail.

Example: I need you to spell out what you mean by 'restructuring'.

Note: This phrase emphasizes the need for explicit and detailed explanation.

Lay it out

To explain or present something clearly and systematically.

Example: Could you lay out the plan for the project?

Note: This phrase suggests presenting the explanation in an organized manner.

Make it clear

To provide an explanation that removes any ambiguity or confusion.

Example: Please make it clear why this decision was made.

Note: This phrase emphasizes the need to remove any doubt or uncertainty in the explanation.

Break it to me gently

To explain something difficult or unpleasant in a sensitive way.

Example: I know it's bad news, but can you break it to me gently?

Note: This phrase implies delivering a delicate explanation, especially for sensitive topics.

Get the message across

To explain or communicate something effectively so that it is understood.

Example: I need to get the message across that we must work harder.

Note: This phrase emphasizes the successful delivery and understanding of the explanation.

Put into perspective

To provide an explanation that helps understand the relative importance or significance of something.

Example: Let's put this situation into perspective by considering all angles.

Note: This phrase involves offering an explanation that contextualizes or frames the subject matter.

Explain everyday (slang) expressions

Break it down for me

This phrase means to explain something in simpler or more detailed terms to aid comprehension.

Example: Can you break it down for me? I'm having trouble understanding.

Note: Similar to 'explain', but emphasizes the need to simplify or provide more detail.

Tell me in plain English

This expression requests for an explanation to be given in simple, easy-to-understand language without jargon or technical terms.

Example: Can you tell me in plain English what you mean by that?

Note: Focuses on using everyday language for explanation rather than technical or complex terms.

Give me the lowdown

This slang term means to provide a detailed explanation or summary of a situation or event.

Example: Give me the lowdown on what happened at the meeting.

Note: Informal way of asking for a detailed explanation or summary of a topic.

Can you shed some light on that?

This idiom asks for an explanation or clarification to help understand a topic or situation better.

Example: I'm a bit confused; can you shed some light on that concept for me?

Note: Suggests requesting further information or clarification to understand something clearly.

Explain - Examples

Explain to me how this works.

Can you please explain why you did that?

She tried to interpret the poem and explain its meaning.

Explain grammar

Explain - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)

Lemma: explain

Conjugations

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): explained

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): explaining

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): explains

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): explain

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): explain

Syllabification and Stress

explain Contains 2 syllables: ex • plain

Phonetic transcription: ik-ˈsplān

ex plain , ik ˈsplān (The red syllable is stressed)

Explain - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

explain: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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