American English
/ɪksˈpʰleɪn/
2 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
to make an idea, fact, or situation clear by giving information about it
Practice out loudto make an idea, fact, or situation clear by giving information about it
This chart explains the process.
Can you explain the last question to me?
Say “explain something to someone,” not “explain someone something.”
explain a problem · explain the situation · explain the difference
explain + something + to + someone
explain + how/why + something happens
to give a reason for something you did, decided, or caused
I explained my decision to my parents.
Please explain why you left early.
explain your decision · explain your behavior · explain what happened
explain + something + to + someone
explain + why + something happened
to give reasons for what you did or said
You broke the window—explain yourself!