Word
explaining
Phoneticsex·plain·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪksˈpɫeɪnɪŋ/
UK/ɛksplˈeɪnɪŋ/
Definitions
01making something clear
A2 · Elementary
v. giving details about something so that someone can understand it.
v. the present participle of 'explain', used to describe the ongoing action of making a concept or situation intelligible.
“The teacher is explaining the new math lesson to the students right now.”
“The scientist spent the afternoon explaining the implications of the new data to the rest of the research committee.”
Usage
Often followed by a 'that' clause or the preposition 'to' before the listener.
Pitfall
He is explaining me the rules.
He is explaining the rules to me.
The verb 'explain' does not take an indirect object directly; you must explain something 'to' someone.
Synonyms
02the act of clarification
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the process of telling someone how something works or why something happened.
n. the gerund form of 'explain', acting as a noun to denote the activity or process of providing an explanation.
“Explaining the rules of cricket can take a very long time.”
“The manager found that explaining the company's new policy required more patience than he had originally anticipated.”
Usage
Functions as the subject or object of a sentence.
Synonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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