# explain

Pronunciation: say "ik-SPLAYN" /ɪkˈspleɪn/

## Verb

1. To make something clear and easy to understand by describing it or giving details.
   - Simple: To tell someone about something so that they understand it.
   - _She explained the procedure step by step so everyone could follow along._
   - _The guide will explain how the ancient temple was constructed._
2. To account for something by saying why it happened or what caused or justifies it.
   - Simple: To give the reason why something happened or why you did it.
   - _She explained her absence by pointing to the long train delay._
   - _The manager will explain the reasons behind the recent budget cuts._
3. Of a fact or situation, to account for something by being its cause or reason.
   - Simple: For a fact or event, to be the reason that something happened or is true.
   - _Rising rents largely explain the drop in the number of young families living downtown._
   - _Her years living abroad explained her easy command of three languages._

## Verb

4. To unfold something or spread it open so that it becomes visible. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To open something out so that it can be seen.
5. To flatten something or smooth out the wrinkles and irregularities of its surface. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: To make something flat or smooth.

## Origin

Latin planus ("level, plain") gave planō ("I flatten, make level"), and with ex- ("out") that became explanō ("I flatten, spread out, make plain or clear"). The word passed through Old French explaner into Middle English explanen and took over from the Old English reċċan.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/explain (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).