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explain(verb)/ɪkˈspleɪn/ /ɪkˈspleɪn/Word Family- explain verb
- explanation noun
- explanatory adjective
- explicable adjective (≠ inexplicable)
Verb Forms- to tell somebody about something in a way that makes it easy to understand
- He was trying to explain the difference between hip hop and rap.
- First, I'll explain the rules of the game.
- The theory is not explained in detail.
- ‘Let me explain!’ he added helpfully.
- It was difficult to explain the concept to beginners.
- I explained that an ambulance would be coming soon.
- He explained who each person in the photo was.
- Can you explain how this machine works?
- She explained to the children exactly what to do in an emergency.
- ‘It works like this,’ she explained.
- It was explained that attendance was compulsory.
Extra Examples- She saw his quick frown and hastened to explain.
- I'll explain the system in greater detail next time.
- The general principles behind the method used are explained clearly and concisely.
- It is a book which seeks to explain the birth of Greek tragedy.
- Many theories purport to explain growth in terms of a single cause.
- I tried to explain the problem to the technician.
- She explained the plan to me very carefully.
- It's difficult to explain exactly how the system works.
- Let me explain what I mean.
- to give a reason, or be a reason, for something
- She tried to explain but he wouldn't listen.
- Alex explained that his car had broken down.
- Well, that doesn't explain why you didn't phone.
- Please explain your reasons.
- Oh well then, that explains it (= I understand now why something happened).
- The phenomenon is partly explained by the fact that global temperatures are rising.
- Slow growth in the economy is to be explained in terms of a lack of demand.
- The government now has to explain its decision to the public.
- ‘It was like this,’ she explained.
- You're going to have some explaining to do when your parents get home!
Extra Examples- There's no need to explain. We understand.
- She was unable to explain her behaviour.
- The official explained patiently that our documents were not valid.
- scientific findings that help explain the origins of the universe
- I can explain everything! I was just trying to help her with her homework!
- He explained awkwardly that he had not slept at his own home that night.
- This partly explains why he was so late.
- This goes some way towards explaining the hostility between the two groups.
- The reasons for the accident have not been fully explained.
- I know I'm late, but I can explain why.
- I have a letter here which explains everything.
- to give somebody reasons for your behaviour, especially when they are angry or upset because of it
- I really don't see why I should have to explain myself to you.
- to say what you mean in a clear way
- Could you explain yourself a little more—I didn't understand.
Word Origin- late Middle English: from Latin explanare, based on planus ‘plain’.
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