explain, expound, explicate, elucidate, interpret mean to make something clear or understandable. explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.
Explain, elucidate, expound, interpret imply making the meaning of something clear or understandable. To explain is to make plain, clear, or intelligible something that is not known or understood: to explain a theory or a problem.
If you explain, or explain something that has happened, you give people reasons for it, especially in an attempt to justify it. "Let me explain, sir."—"Don't tell me about it. I don't want to know." Before she ran away, she left a note explaining her actions. Explain why you didn't telephone.
explain If you explain something, you give details about it so that it can be understood. The head teacher should be able to explain the school's teaching policy. You say that you explain something to someone. Let me explain to you about Jackie.
to make clear in speech or writing; make plain or understandable by analysis or description. The instructor explained the operation of the engine to the students.
There are 13 meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb explain, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
explain definition: make something clear or easy to understand. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Discover expressions like "explain away", "please explain", "explain the ropes".
explain If you explain something, you give details about it so that it can be understood. The head teacher should be able to explain the school's teaching policy. You say that you explain something to someone. Let me explain to you about Jackie.