explain
verb
UK/ɪkˈspleɪn/
US/ɪkˈspleɪn/
Definitions of explain verb
- A2TransitiveIntransitive
to make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about it
If anything is unclear, I would be happy to explain it to you.
The teacher explained the experiment's procedure to the students.
He meticulously explained the concepts behind the complex theory.
Phrases of explain verb
- explain yourself
To provide reasons or justification for one's actions or behavior.
• He used my computer without permission, so I asked him to explain himself.
Phrasal Verbs of explain
- explain something away
to make excuses to deflect responsibility for an occurrence by downplaying its importance or shifting blame
• He tried to explain away his poor performance in the meeting as a minor issue, hoping his colleagues would overlook it.