Word of the Day: Explain
To explain something is to give information, instruction, a description, or a reason.
- The teacher explained how to form the present perfect tense.
- The coach explained the rules of volleyball during a gym class.
- An expert on the subject of American politics explained how the electoral college works.
- This report explains why the city needs to create more public transportation options.
- Isabel asked her daughter to explain why she was out so late last night.
- The boy’s sudden illness explains why he wasn’t in school yesterday.
The word “explanation” is a noun:
- Todd offered an explanation for his poor performance at work, but his supervisor remains unconvinced.
- Our professor provided an explanation on the subject of existentialism.
- The mother gave her children a simple explanation regarding where babies come from.
Here are some different ways you can request an explanation:
- Can you explain how this works, please?
- Would you mind giving an explanation?
- I would like an explanation.
- This requires an explanation.
- You have some explaining to do.
- I demand an explanation. (You can say this when you are angry about something; otherwise, it sounds rude.)
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with E page to see the list of all words starting with letter E. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
