Explain Meaning
Explain Definition & Usage
To make something clear or easy to understand by describing or giving details about it.
Examples
- "Can you explain how this works?"
- "The teacher explained the theory in simple terms."
- "She explained her decision with great clarity."
- "I don’t understand, could you explain it again?"
- "The guide explained the history of the building."
To give reasons or a defense for something, often when there is a need for justification.
Examples
- "He explained why he was late for the meeting."
- "She explained her actions, but no one believed her."
- "The lawyer will explain why the defendant should be acquitted."
- "Can you explain your sudden decision to leave the company?"
- "The manager explained the company's financial position to the employees."
To expound on a subject in detail, often used in academic or technical contexts.
Examples
- "The professor explained the principles of quantum mechanics."
- "The report explains the findings of the study."
- "He will explain the process of drug development during his lecture."
- "The article explains the impact of climate change on global biodiversity."
- "Let me explain the legal aspects of this contract."
Cultural Context
The word 'explain' comes from the Latin 'explicare', meaning 'to unfold' or 'to make clear'. In various languages, the word retains this sense of clarification or justification.
The Mysterious Message
Story
The Mysterious Message
One crisp autumn morning, Emily sat in her favorite café, flipping through the pages of a book on ancient history. Her coffee had gone cold, but she didn’t mind; her thoughts were far away, pondering a question that had been bugging her for days. She had just returned from a trip to an old library in the city center, where she found a strange note slipped between the pages of an ancient manuscript. The note read: 'You must explain what you see to understand.' But what did that mean? As she sat there, trying to make sense of it, her best friend Rachel walked in, looking as puzzled as Emily felt. 'What’s going on?' Rachel asked, noticing the furrowed brow. Emily showed her the note. 'I don’t get it,' Emily said. 'What could it mean to explain something in order to understand it?' Rachel pondered for a moment. 'Maybe it’s like when we try to explain a concept to someone. Sometimes, the process of explaining something actually helps us understand it better.' Emily smiled. 'That’s true. When I was explaining my research to my professor last week, I finally understood the flaw in my argument just by talking about it.' Rachel nodded, adding, 'So maybe this note is telling us that in order to comprehend something fully, we need to be able to explain it clearly. Maybe that’s the key to unlocking the mystery.' They sat in silence for a while, both thinking. Eventually, Emily stood up, her mind racing with possibilities. 'I think I know what I need to do next. I’m going back to the library to explain everything I’ve learned so far. Maybe the answers will become clear once I talk through them.' As Emily walked out of the café, Rachel called after her, 'Good luck! And don’t forget to explain everything—clearly!' The process of explaining, both to herself and others, became Emily’s way of uncovering hidden truths. With each conversation, each explanation, the puzzle pieces slowly began to fall into place. Sometimes, to understand something deeply, you have to be able to explain it in every possible way you can imagine.'
Related Words
