# explain

/ɪksˈpɫeɪn/ (US) · /ɛksplˈeɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/explain
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to make clear

verb · CEFR A1

to tell someone about something in a way that is easy to understand.

For teachers: to make a concept, process, or situation intelligible by providing descriptive details or illustrations.

- The teacher used a diagram to explain how the water cycle works.
- The manual fails to explain the initial setup process clearly, leaving many users frustrated during the first hour of operation.

Usage: Often used with a 'that' clause or a 'wh-' clause (how, why, what).

### 2. to give a reason

verb · CEFR B1

to give a reason for why something happened or why you did something.

For teachers: to provide a justification, cause, or rationale for an action, event, or state of affairs.

- He tried to explain why he was late, but his boss was still angry.
- The CEO was called before the board to explain the sudden discrepancy in the quarterly financial reports.

Usage: Frequently followed by a prepositional phrase starting with 'why' or 'for'.

## Examples

- Can you explain how this coffee machine works?
- The teacher asked the student to explain why his homework was three days late.
- The physicist attempted to explain the principles of quantum mechanics using everyday analogies, though some of the mathematical nuance was inevitably lost in translation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.