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explain

Meaning in simple English

US /ɪkˈspleɪn/

explain means: To help someone understand something by giving information about it.

verb

MAKE CLEARA2

To help someone understand something by giving information about it.

  • Please explain this word to me.
  • He explained how to use the camera.
  • Can you explain why you left early?

How to use it: explain something to someone (Could you explain the rules to me?); explain how/why… (She explained why the train was late.)

Similar words: clarify, make clear

Common phrases: explain something, explain to someone, explain how something, explain a concept

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