American English
/ɪksˈpʰleɪ.nɪŋ/
3 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Form of explain
Making an idea, fact, or situation clear by giving information about it.
Practice out loudMaking an idea, fact, or situation clear by giving information about it.
She was explaining the rules of the game.
The teacher is explaining the assignment.
Use “explaining something to someone,” not “explaining someone something.”
Giving a reason for something you did, decided, or caused.
I am explaining my decision to the team.
The manager is explaining why she changed the plan.
The activity of making something clear or giving reasons for it.
Explaining difficult ideas clearly takes practice.
Explaining your decision calmly can prevent an argument.
to give reasons for what you did or said
You broke the window—explain yourself!