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- pronunciation:
- ihk
spleIn
- phrases:
- explain away
- features:
- Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
explains, explaining, explained |
| definition 1: |
to make clear in speech or writing; show in detail.
The carpenter explained how he had made the cabinets.
- synonyms:
- show, spell out
- similar words:
- account, amplify, clarify, demonstrate, get across, interpret, simplify, unravel, untangle
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| definition 2: |
to give reasons for.
Please explain why you were not in class this morning.- synonyms:
- account for
- similar words:
- amplify, defend, justify, warrant
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| definition 3: |
to show the meaning of.
The museum guide explained the painting to us.- synonyms:
- account for
- similar words:
- interpret
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| related words: |
clear, define, excuse, illuminate, illustrate, solve, unfold |
| phrase: |
explain away |
| derivation: |
explainable (adj.) |
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