explain

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To make something clear or easy to understand by describing it.

   The teacher explained the laws of physics to her students.

2. 2
   verb

   To give the reason or cause for something.

   Can you explain why you were late this morning?

From Middle English explanen, from Old French explaner, from Latin explanō (“to flatten, spread out, make plain or clear, explain”), from ex- (“out”) + planō (“to flatten, make level”), from planus (“level, plain”); see plain and plane. Compare esplanade, splanade. Displaced Old English reċċan.

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