easy
Can you explain your answer step by step?
What does Explain mean?
Explain means make something clear with details.
Dictionary definition
To make an idea, answer, or process clear by giving details and reasons.
Example sentences
Explain in a sentence
medium
He explained the rule so new players understood it.
hard
A diagram can explain a hard idea faster than a long paragraph.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice explain in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Explain
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does explain mean?
Explain means giving details so others can understand.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to explain?
Clarify also means to make something easier to understand.
Practice 3
Choose the best word: Please ____ how you solved the problem.
Explain fits because the speaker wants the solution made clear.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Explain
Voice settings
Sounds like
ik · splayn · strongest beat: splayn
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordExplain.
Partverb.
MeaningExplain means make something clear with details.
ExampleExample: Can you explain your answer step by step?
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- ik · splayn
- Strongest beat
- splayn
- Ending
- splayn
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on splayn.
Your turn
Say Explain
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Nice work—you practiced explain.
Synonyms
Words like Explain
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice explain synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Please explain your answer to the group," then compare close word choices. Practice explain synonyms.
Word family
Explain word family
Base word
explain
verb
explains
Present-tense form used with he, she, or it.
verb
explained
Past-tense form.
verb
explaining
Form for an action in progress.
noun
explanation
A statement that makes something clear.
adjective
explanatory
Intended to explain or make something clear.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Explain
Hint for students
To explain is to make an idea clear by giving useful details or reasons.
Common mix-up
Explain is more than naming or repeating something. A strong explanation helps someone understand how or why.
Try it in class or at home
Choose a simple task, such as sharpening a pencil or solving a math problem. Explain it in three ordered steps, then ask a partner whether any detail is missing.
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain a familiar classroom routine step by step. Which details make the explanation clear?
Word Wheels
Practice Explain with a Word Wheel
Explore 2 wheels that include this word.
1 of 2
Science Word Wheels
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Word Wheel
Practice with the School Words Wheel
This word is part of WordHive's researched School Words collection. Spin the complete wheel to review meanings, discuss classroom connections, and practice using school vocabulary in sentences.
Learning activities
Practice Explain and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice EXPLAIN” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice EXPLAIN
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with EXPLAIN
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
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Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice EXPLAIN
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes EXPLAIN.
Practice EXPLAIN
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
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