A1verb 1K

Explain

🇬🇧 UK /["/ɪkˈspleɪn/","/ɪkˈspleɪnz/","/ɪkˈspleɪnd/","/ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ɪkˈspleɪn/","/ɪkˈspleɪnz/","/ɪkˈspleɪnd/","/ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Explain

to tell somebody about something in a way that makes it easy to understand

In simple words: To make something clear or easy to understand.

Explain in a sentence

• Can you explain how this machine works?
• She could not explain her sudden change in mood.
• It is important to explain the rules of the game.
• He tried to explain his point of view during the discussion.
• Teachers often explain concepts to help students learn better.

How to use Explain

Use 'explain' when you want to clarify or make something easier to understand. It's appropriate in both speaking and writing, but avoid using it in highly formal contexts where more technical terms might be preferred.

Grammar pattern

explain + object

Memory hint

Think of 'explain' as 'ex-plain' – like pulling the plain out of something to show its meaning.

Related words

Collocations with Explain

• in detail
• fully
• adequately
• be able to
• be unable to
• can
• about
• to
• explain everything
• go a long way, some way, etc. towards/​toward explaining something
• in detail
• fully
• adequately
• be able to
• be unable to
• can
• about
• to
• explain everything
• go a long way, some way, etc. towards/​toward explaining something

Synonyms for Explain

• clarify
• elucidate
• expound
• interpret
• illustrate

Opposites of Explain

• confuse
• obscure
• complicate

Common mistakes with Explain

• Using 'explain' without an object, e.g., 'I will explain' instead of 'I will explain the concept.'
• Confusing 'explain' with 'describe' – 'explain' is about making something clear, while 'describe' is about detailing.
• Misusing the tense, e.g., saying 'I explained' when referring to a future action.

Frequently asked questions about Explain

What does Explain mean?

To make something clear or easy to understand.

What is the definition of Explain?

to tell somebody about something in a way that makes it easy to understand

How do you use Explain in a sentence?

Can you explain how this machine works?

Can you give another example of Explain?

She could not explain her sudden change in mood.

What are synonyms for Explain?

Common alternatives include clarify, elucidate, expound, interpret, illustrate.

What is the opposite of Explain?

Opposite meanings include confuse, obscure, complicate.

What words go with Explain?

It commonly pairs with in detail, fully, adequately, be able to, be unable to, can, about, to, explain everything, go a long way, some way, etc. towards/​toward explaining something, in detail, fully, adequately, be able to, be unable to, can, about, to, explain everything, go a long way, some way, etc. towards/​toward explaining something.

What are common mistakes when using Explain?

Using 'explain' without an object, e.g., 'I will explain' instead of 'I will explain the concept.' Confusing 'explain' with 'describe' – 'explain' is about making something clear, while 'describe' is about detailing. Misusing the tense, e.g., saying 'I explained' when referring to a future action.

How do you pronounce Explain?

US: /["/ɪkˈspleɪn/","/ɪkˈspleɪnz/","/ɪkˈspleɪnd/","/ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/ɪkˈspleɪn/","/ɪkˈspleɪnz/","/ɪkˈspleɪnd/","/ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Explain?

Use 'explain' when you want to clarify or make something easier to understand. It's appropriate in both speaking and writing, but avoid using it in highly formal contexts where more technical terms might be preferred.

What CEFR level is Explain?

"Explain" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.