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explain

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verb American English pronunciation: explain /ɪkˈspleɪn/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyexplain
he/she/itexplains
present participleexplaining
past tenseexplained
past participleexplained
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    [transitive] to tell someone something in a way that helps them understand it better

    "My full name is Juliet Avery," Juliet explained patiently.

    explain something to someone:

    The doctor explained the risks to me before the operation.

    explain how/when/what etc.:

    I will try to explain how a car engine works.

    explain (that):

    He explained that he would be moving to another city.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of explain
    1. a.
      used about a book or picture

      This manual explains how to use your computer.

      a leaflet that explains who can claim welfare

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of explain
  2. 2
    [transitive] to give a reason for something that happens, especially when this is not easy to understand

    Science cannot explain everything.

    It's difficult to explain the popularity of this new toy.

    The phenomenon can be explained in various ways.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of explain
    1. a.
      [transitive] to be the reason for something
      explain why/what etc.:

      "Tom is in the hospital." "That explains why he wasn't in school today."

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of explain
    2. b.
      [intransitive/transitive] used when you want someone to understand and forgive you

      I can explain everything.

      Wait! Let me explain!

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of explain

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phrasal verbs

This is the American English definition of explain. View British English definition of explain.

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