explain
Definitions
To make something clear or understandable by describing it in detail.
解释；说明
To give a reason or justification for something.
辩解；说明缘由
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedex- (out) + plānāre (to make flat) = «to flatten out.» Picture a crumpled, tangled cloth spread flat on a table — suddenly every fold is visible. To explain a confusing idea is to flatten it out so the listener sees all of it. The «flat = clear» logic comes straight from plānus.
Root plan still carries 16 more wordsWhy It Means This
explain hides its root because the spelling shifted: Latin explānāre (ex- «out» + plānus «flat») literally meant «to flatten out.» The English -plain looks like the word plain, and that's no accident — both go back to «flat.» When you explain, you take a knotted, folded-up idea and spread it flat so nothing stays hidden. That's why a good explanation makes things «clear» — clarity is just flatness, nothing in the way.
Common Collocations
- 1.explain why解释为什么
- 2.explain how说明如何
- 3.explain away辩解开脱
- 4.explain the difference解释区别
- 5.let me explain让我解释一下
Example Sentences
- 1.
Can you explain how this machine works?
- 2.
She explained the rules clearly to the new players.
- 3.
He tried to explain why he was late, but no one believed him.
Easily Confused
explain vs describe — describe lists what something looks like or how it happens (describe the room); explain gives the why or makes a confusing thing clear (explain the reason). You describe a process but explain why it fails.