How Do You Spell EXPLAIN?

Pronunciation: [ɛksplˈe͡ɪn] (IPA)

The word "explain" is spelled as eks-pleyn in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as "eks" with the stressed "e" sound, followed by a "k" sound, and an "s" sound. The second syllable "pleyn" is pronounced as "playn" with a stressed "a" sound and a "n" sound. The spelling of "explain" follows the English spelling pattern of using "ex-" as a prefix to indicate "out" or "away" and adding the suffix "-plain" meaning to make something clear or understandable.

EXPLAIN Meaning and Definition

  1. Explain is a verb that refers to the action of providing clarity, understanding, or justification for something. When someone explains, they articulate ideas, concepts, or procedures in a way that is easily comprehensible to others. The primary goal of explaining is to convey information or instructions effectively, eliminating any confusion or ambiguity that may arise.

    To explain something means to break it down into simpler terms, thereby enabling the listener or reader to grasp the subject matter more easily. It involves presenting logical arguments, offering examples or evidence, and answering questions or concerns that may arise during the process. Furthermore, explaining often involves connecting new ideas or concepts to existing knowledge or prior experiences, fostering enhanced understanding.

    The act of explaining can take various forms, depending on the context or the topic being discussed. It could involve providing a detailed description, offering step-by-step instructions or guidelines, presenting a logical sequence of events or connections, or even justifying or defending a certain position or viewpoint.

    In summary, explaining is the endeavor of making something clear and understandable through effective communication. It involves breaking down complex concepts, providing relevant examples or evidence, and facilitating the process of comprehension and assimilation for the intended audience. Ultimately, explaining plays a fundamental role in fostering knowledge acquisition, problem-solving, and effective communication in a wide range of disciplines and contexts.

  2. To make plain or evident; to clear of obscurity; to expound.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for EXPLAIN *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for EXPLAIN

Etymology of EXPLAIN

The word "explain" originated from the Latin verb "explanare", which means "to make clear" or "to flatten out". It combines the prefix "ex", which means "out", and the verb "planare", which means "to make level" or "to make smooth". Over time, it evolved into "explānāre" in Late Latin and then into the Old French word "esplainier". Eventually, the word entered Middle English as "explainen" around the 14th century, and has since remained in usage with its current spelling and meaning.

Idioms with the word EXPLAIN

  • explain away The definition of the idiom "explain away" is to offer an explanation or rationalization for something in order to make it appear less significant, serious, or problematic. It usually refers to attempting to minimize the negative aspects or implications of a situation or action.
  • explain away sth The idiom "explain away something" means to provide a justification or explanation for something, typically in an attempt to make it seem less important, significant, or concerning. It refers to rationalizing an issue or dismissively downplaying it by giving reasons or excuses to make it easier to accept or overlook.
  • explain sth away To "explain something away" means to rationalize or dismiss an event, action, or problem by providing an explanation or justification that may not necessarily be true or satisfactory. It is often used when someone tries to downplay or diminish the significance or consequences of something by offering an explanation that attempts to make it seem less important, relevant, or problematic than it actually is.
  • explain sm or sth to sm The idiom "explain something to someone" means to provide information or details about something to another person who may be unaware or unsure about it. It involves breaking down complex or unfamiliar concepts in a way that is clear, understandable, and accessible to the other person.
  • explain someone or something to someone The idiom "explain someone or something to someone" means to provide thorough or detailed information about someone or something to another person in a way that helps them understand or comprehend better. It involves clarifying, describing, or making a concept, situation, or person more comprehensible to another individual.
  • explain something away The idiom "explain something away" means to provide a seemingly reasonable or plausible explanation for something, particularly in order to minimize the significance, importance, or impact of an event, action, or behavior. It is often used when someone tries to dismiss or justify something that is uncomfortable, embarrassing, or incriminating.
  • explain (oneself) The idiom "explain oneself" means to provide a clear and detailed explanation or justification for one's actions, behavior, or words. It typically involves clarifying or defending one's position or motivations in order to remove any uncertainty or misunderstanding.

Similar spelling words for EXPLAIN

Conjugate verb Explain

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have explained
you would have explained
he/she/it would have explained
we would have explained
they would have explained
I would have explain
you would have explain
he/she/it would have explain
we would have explain
they would have explain

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been explaining
you would have been explaining
he/she/it would have been explaining
we would have been explaining
they would have been explaining

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would explain
you would explain
he/she/it would explain
we would explain
they would explain

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be explaining
you would be explaining
he/she/it would be explaining
we would be explaining
they would be explaining

FUTURE

I will explain
you will explain
he/she/it will explain
we will explain
they will explain

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be explaining
you will be explaining
he/she/it will be explaining
we will be explaining
they will be explaining

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have explained
you will have explained
he/she/it will have explained
we will have explained
they will have explained

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been explaining
you will have been explaining
he/she/it will have been explaining
we will have been explaining
they will have been explaining

IMPERATIVE

you explain
we let´s explain

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to explain

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was explaining
you were explaining
he/she/it was explaining
we were explaining
they were explaining

PAST PARTICIPLE

explained

PAST PERFECT

I had explained
you had explained
he/she/it had explained
we had explained
they had explained

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been explaining
you had been explaining
he/she/it had been explaining
we had been explaining
they had been explaining

PRESENT

I explain
you explain
he/she/it explains
we explain
they explain

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am explaining
you are explaining
he/she/it is explaining
we are explaining
they are explaining

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

explaining

PRESENT PERFECT

I have explained
you have explained
he/she/it has explained
we have explained
they have explained

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been explaining
you have been explaining
he/she/it has been explaining
we have been explaining
they have been explaining

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it explain

SIMPLE PAST

I explained
you explained
he/she/it explained
we explained
they explained

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