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- pronunciation:
- ihk
spleIn
- parts of speech:
- transitive verb, intransitive verb
- phrases:
- explain away
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| inflections: |
explains, explaining, explained |
| definition 1: |
to make clear in speech or writing; make plain or understandable by analysis or description.
The instructor explained the operation of the engine to the students.Your supervisor will explain to you what the job involves.[verb + to smby/smth + object
]
The flight attendant explained how the exit doors can be opened.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause
]
She finally explained why she could not marry him.[verb + WH/whether/if + clause
]
The instructions explain how to combine the ingredients.[verb + WH/whether + infinitive
]
He explained accepting this other job offer, but I still don't understand his motivation.[verb + gerund
]
- synonyms:
- elucidate, explicate, show, spell out
- antonyms:
- obfuscate
- similar words:
- account, amplify, clarify, define, delineate, demonstrate, exhibit, get across, interpret, simplify, translate, unravel, untangle
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| definition 2: |
to give reasons for.
Please explain your absence from the meeting this morning.He could not explain his wife's leaving--hadn't he always been a good husband to her?[verb + possessive adj + gerund
]
- synonyms:
- account for, rationalize
- similar words:
- amplify, defend, justify, vindicate, warrant
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| definition 3: |
to say as a reason.
She wondered why he was late, and he explained that he missed the bus.[verb + (that) + clause
]
I have already explained that we are not equipped to handle such large orders.[verb + (that) + clause
]
The manager explained to them that the large table was reserved.[verb + to smby/smth + object
]
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| definition 4: |
to tell the meaning or significance of.
The student understood the paragraph after the teacher explained the idioms.Scientists have often observed this phenomenon, but they cannot explain it yet.I liked the poem once it was explained to me.- synonyms:
- account for
- similar words:
- interpret
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| related words: |
articulate, clear, construe, define, excuse, exemplify, expound, gloss, illuminate, illustrate, plead, promulgate, solve, unfold |
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| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| definition: |
to make a clarification or give an explanation.
She knew her parents were puzzled, but she did not explain.Could you explain again about the stock market crash?- synonyms:
- elucidate
- similar words:
- amplify, decipher, demonstrate, expound, interpret
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| related words: |
comment, illustrate, inform |
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| phrase: |
explain away |
| derivation: |
explainable (adj.) |
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