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explain(verb)BrE / ɪkˈspleɪn / NAmE / ɪkˈspleɪn / - to tell somebody about something in a way that makes it easy to understand
- First, I'll explain the rules of the game.
- It was difficult to explain the problem to beginners.
- ‘Let me explain!’ he added helpfully.
- I explained that an ambulance would be coming soon.
- He explained who each person in the photo was.
- Can you explain how the email system works?
- She explained to them what to do in an emergency.
- ‘It works like this,’ she explained.
- It was explained that attendance was compulsory.
- I’m sorry, I didn’t quite understand.
- Would you mind explaining that again? I’m not sure that I’ve understood correctly.
- Sorry, I don't quite follow (you).
- Can I just check that I’ve got this right?
- I’m not quite/exactly clear about/really sure what I’m supposed to do.
- Sorry, could you repeat that? I didn’t hear what you said.
- Sorry, would you mind repeating what you just said?
- If I understand you correctly, you want me to phone the customer and apologise?
- Do you mean (to say) that the deal's off?
- What exactly are you saying?
- So you're saying that the meeting's cancelled?
- Sorry, did you mean that I should wait here or come back later?
- Can you just confirm your date of birth for me, please?
- 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.
- scientific findings that help explain the origins of the universe
- The government now has to explain its decision to the public.
- Oh well then, that explains it (= I understand now why something happened).
- 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.
Extra Examples- I explained the issues in great detail.
- I have a letter here which explains everything.
- I know I’m late, but I can explain why.
- It is a book which seeks to explain the birth of Greek tragedy.
- It’s difficult to explain exactly how the system works.
- Let me explain what I mean.
- Many theories purport to explain growth in terms of a single cause.
- She explained the plan to me very carefully.
- She saw his quick frown and hastened to explain.
- She tried to explain about her fears and anxieties.
- The doctor explained patiently what the treatment would be.
- The general principles behind the method used are explained clearly and concisely.
- The reasons for the accident have not been fully explained.
- This goes some way towards explaining the hostility between the two groups.
- This partly explains why he was so late.
- This phenomenon can be easily explained.
- ‘It was like this,’ she explained.
- ‘Let me explain,’ he continued.
- Ed explained that his car had broken down.
- First, let me explain the rules of the game.
- He explained awkwardly that he had not slept at his own home that night.
- I can explain everything! I was just trying to help her with her homework!
- I really don’t see why I should have to explain myself to you.
- I tried to explain the problem to the technician.
- I’ll explain the system in greater detail next time.
- Oh well then, that explains it.
- She explained to them what to do in the event of an emergency.
- She tried to explain but he wouldn’t listen.
- The official explained patiently that our documents were not valid.
- The rules need to be clearly explained to all newcomers.
- There’s no need to explain. We understand.
- Well, that doesn’t explain why you didn’t call me.
Verb Forms- present simple I / you / we / they explain
- he / she / it explains
- past simple explained
- past participle explained
- -ing form explaining
Word Origin- late Middle English: from Latin explanare, based on planus ‘plain’.
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