See Also: explain(medicine)
explain(dictionary)
explain(dictionary)

explain (iou)



explain verb. LME.
[Latin explanare, formed as EX-1 1 + planus flat, PLAIN adjective1, to which the mod. spelling is assim.]
verb trans. & intrans. Make clear or intelligible (a meaning, difficulty, etc.); clear of obscurity or difficulty; give details of (a matter, how, etc.) LME.
M. Gray He took a card from his pocket...'That will explain to Dr. Everard,' he said. J. A. Michener He was weary from trying to explain ideas to people who could not visualize them. C. P. Snow Briers had been explaining to his superiors what he intended to do. Daily Telegraph The Blackfoot chief..explained how the braves used to drive buffalo.
b. Speak one's mind against, upon. E-M18.
c. verb trans., & intrans. with subord. clause Say in explanation. M19.
R. Langbridge Tears came into Susette's eyes...'I have bitten my tongue,' Susette explained. R. H. Mottram The nursing sister..explaining that the occupants were more or less convalescent.
Make smooth (the forehead or face). M16-M17.
verb trans. & intrans. Open out, unfold (an object). E17-E18.
explain into, explain itself into develop into.
b. verb trans. Make plainly visible. E-M17.
verb trans. State the meaning or significance of; interpret. E17.
explain away modify or remove the force of (esp. offensive language, awkward facts, etc.) by explanation.
refl. Make clear one's meaning; give an account of one's motives or conduct. E17.
Economist Mr Kitson, who has refused to withdraw his reported remarks, will be asked to explain himself.
verb trans. Account for; make clear the cause or origin of. M18.
A. Lurie Knowing about Roz explains a lot.
explainable adjective E17.
explainer noun L16.