English dictionary



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English verb: explain

1. explain (communication) make plain and comprehensible


SamplesHe explained the laws of physics to his students.


ExamplesSam and Sue explain the movie


Synonymsexplicate


Pattern of useSomebody ----s something.
Somebody ----s somebody.
Something ----s something.
Somebody ----s that CLAUSE


Broader (hypernym)inform


Narrower (hyponym)account for, clarify, clear up, comment, elucidate, interpret, naturalize, rede

2. explain (communication) define


SamplesThe committee explained their plan for fund-raising to the Dean.


ExamplesThey explain that there was a traffic accident


Pattern of useSomebody ----s that CLAUSE


Broader (hypernym)say, state, tell

3. explain (communication) serve as a reason or cause or justification of


SamplesYour need to sleep late does not excuse your late arrival at work.
Her recent divorce may explain her reluctance to date again.


Synonymsexcuse


Pattern of useSomething ----s something


Broader (hypernym)justify, vindicate


Narrower (hyponym)alibi









Based on WordNet 3.0 copyright © Princeton University.
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