Definition of "explain" []

To make plain or comprehensible. (verb-transitive)
To define; expound: We explained our plan to the committee. (verb-transitive)
To offer reasons for or a cause of; justify: explain an error. (verb-transitive)
To offer reasons for the actions, beliefs, or remarks of (oneself). (verb-transitive)
To make something plain or comprehensible: Let me explain. (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "explain" in a sentence

"Perhaps the best way to explain is to take a closer look at Rodriguez."
"Japanese keyboards usually come with two layouts; one way to explain is to take as an example the word Tokyo, in kanji 東京."
"The best way to explain is to tell a true story about something that happened just across the border, in Nevada, in 2006."

Words like "explain"

clear up demonstrate dissolve elucidate explain away

explained explaining explains explanation explanatory

explicate expound interpret obscure resolve

say solve state tell unfold