Explain

Pronunciation: /ɪkˈspleɪn/

Definitions of explain

verb to make (an idea, situation, or problem) clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts or ideas

Example Sentences

A1 Can you explain how to get to the train station?

A2 Please explain why you were late for the meeting.

B1 The teacher will explain the new grammar rules in class tomorrow.

B2 Could you explain the process of how the machine works in more detail?

C1 The expert was able to explain the complex scientific theory in a way that everyone could understand.

C2 The professor explained the intricacies of quantum physics with great clarity and depth.

Examples of explain in a Sentence

formal Could you please explain the reasoning behind your decision?

informal Can you explain why you did that?

slang Yo, explain to me why you bailed on the party last night.

figurative She tried to explain away her mistake by blaming it on others.

Grammatical Forms of explain

• past tense: explained
• plural: explains
• comparative: more explanatory
• superlative: most explanatory
• present tense: explain
• future tense: will explain
• perfect tense: has explained
• continuous tense: is explaining
• singular: explains
• positive degree: clear
• infinitive: to explain
• gerund: explaining
• participle: explained

Origin and Evolution of explain

First Known Use: 1526 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'explain' originated from the Latin word 'explanare', which means to make plain or clear.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'explain' has retained its core meaning of making something clear or understandable, but its usage has expanded to cover a wide range of contexts and disciplines.