/ ɪkˈspleɪn; NAmE / verb
1.
explain sth (to sb) to tell sb about sth in a way that makes it easy to understand :
[ vn ]
First, I'll explain the rules of the game.
It was difficult to explain the problem to beginners.
[ v ]
'Let me explain!' he added helpfully.
[ v that ]
I explained that an ambulance would be coming soon.
[ v wh- ]
He explained who each person in the photo was.
Can you explain how the email system works?
She explained to them what to do in an emergency.
[ v speech ]
'It works like this,' she explained.
[also vn that ]
2.
explain sth (to sb) to give a reason, or be a reason, for sth :
[ v ]
She tried to explain but he wouldn't listen.
[ v that ]
Alex explained that his car had broken down.
[ v wh- ]
Well, that doesn't explain why you didn't phone.
[ vn ]
Scientific findings that help explain the origins of the universe.
The government now has to explain its decision to the public.
( informal )
Oh well then, that explains it (= I understand now why sth happened) .
HELP NOTE : You cannot say 'explain me, him, her, etc.':
Can you explain the situation to me?
Can you explain me the situation?
I'll explain to you why I like it.
I'll explain you why I like it.
•
IDIOMS
- explain yourself
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- explain sth away
••
WORD FAMILY
explain verb
explanation noun
explanatory adjective
explicable adjective (≠ inexplicable )
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin explanare , based on planus plain.