explain

Meaning

Verb

• To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.
• To give a valid excuse for past behavior.
• To make flat, smooth out.
• To unfold or make visible.
• To make something plain or intelligible.

Related

Similar words

• expound, elaborate, recce

Origin

• From Middle English explanen, from Old French explaner, from Latin explanō ("I flatten, spread out, make plain or clear, explain"), from ex- + planō, from planus; see plain and plane. Compare esplanade, splanade. Displaced .