Definitions for explain

• Definition
• Anagrams (180)

explain ex·plain

Spelling: [ik-spleyn]

IPA: /ɪkˈspleɪn/

Explain is a 7 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 16 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 19 points.

You can make 180 anagrams from letters in explain (aeilnpx).

Definitions for explain

Verb phrases

1. explain away, to diminish or nullify the significance of by explanation: to dispel (doubts, difficulties, etc.) by explanation:

verb (used with object)

1. to make plain or clear; render understandable or intelligible: Synonyms: explicate. Antonyms: confuse.
2. to make known in detail:
3. to assign a meaning to; interpret:
4. to make clear the cause or reason of; account for: Synonyms: justify.

verb (used without object)

1. to give an explanation.

Origin of explain

1375-1425; late Middle English explanen Latin explānāre to smooth out, make intelligible, spread out on flat surface. See ex-¹, plane

Examples for explain

I asked her to explain more about these “private customers.”

Don't mind him, dad—I know all about it, I tell you—I'll explain later to you.

Lucas spoke to him in Flemish to explain his own return with the English prentice.

The problem is, how do you find a movie narrative that can explain genius, British or otherwise?

Nothin' you could understand; you need a mother to explain things to you.

Nothing can be explained without the language to explain it.

A grand juror in the Ferguson case is suing to be able to explain exactly what went down in the courtroom.

But before you start to read let me explain what I intend to do.

"I'll have to explain," she smiled as she introduced him to Evelyn.

After the curtain calls, Christopher comes back to explain a complicated math problem.