exp
lain
Third Person
explains
Present Participle
explaining
Past Tense
explained
Past Participle
explained
1
to make something clear and easy to understand by giving more information about it
transitive
- He explained the plot of the movie to his friend who hadn't seen it.
- I need someone to explain the concept of gravity to me.
- The video explains how to use the new software step by step.
- He struggled to explain his ideas clearly to the team.
- They explained the process of making a paper airplane step by step.
2
to provide reasons to make an action or situation seem acceptable
transitive
- The employee tried to explain the delay in project completion, offering reasons related to unforeseen challenges and resource constraints.
- The athlete, facing a doping allegation, explained the situation to the sports committee, providing justifications for the presence of the banned substance.
- The student explained the circumstances that led to missing the deadline, offering reasons for the late submission of the assignment.
- In the press conference, the politician tried to explain the controversial statement, offering reasons to excuse the unintended misunderstanding.
Synonyms:
3
to make something understandable by providing clarification or definition
transitive
- The instructor explained the term "cognitive dissonance" as the discomfort experienced when holding conflicting beliefs or attitudes.
- The dictionary explains the word "equilibrium" as a state of balance or stability, often used in scientific and economic contexts.
- The author's note at the beginning of the book explains the term "dystopia" as an imagined society characterized by oppression and suffering.
- The therapist explained the term "anxiety" to her patient.
- The coach explained the term "offside" to the new soccer players, clarifying when a player is in an illegal position during the game.