explain

/ik-ˈsplān/

Middle English explanen, from Latin explanare, literally, to make level, from ex- + planus level, flat

verb

  1. to make known

  2. to make plain or understandable

  3. to give the reason for or cause of

explain the secret of your success

footnotes that explain the terms

explain expound explicate elucidate interpret mean to make something clear or understandable. explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known. expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.

verb

  1. to get rid of by or as if by explanation

  2. to minimize the significance of by or as if by explanation

idiom

  1. to immediately say something in order to prevent confusion or misunderstanding

The company announced that the initial tests look promising, but they hastened to add that there is still much more testing to be done.