EXPLAIN

[verb] - to make (something) clear or easy to understand by describing or giving information about itIf there's anything you don't understand, I'll be happy to explain. [I]The teacher explained the rules to the children. [T]Our guide explained where the cathedral was. [+ wh- word]Bill explained how the computer works, but I didn't understand him. [+ wh- word]Please could you explain why you're so late. [+ wh- word]Dad explained that we have to go to bed now because we need to get up very early in the morning. [+ that clause]"Someone must have hit the wrong button," an official explained. [+ speech]Rachel asked the teacher if she could explain herself a bit more clearly (= say more clearly what she meant). [T]No one has been able to explain (= give the reason for) the accident. [T]Sam's mother asked him to explain himself when he didn't go (= give the reasons for not going) to school. [T]I don't know how you're going to explain away that dent you made in your dad's car (= avoid blame for it by making it seem unimportant or not your fault). [M]