explain

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♦♦ ex|plain /ɪkspl'eɪn/ (explains explaining explained)
1 [VERB] V n, V n to n, V wh, V with quote, V that, also V, V to n that/wh
If you explain something, you give details about it or describe it so that it can be understood.
Not every judge, however, has the ability to explain the law in simple terms...
Don't sign anything until your solicitor has explained the contract to you...
Professor Griffiths explained how the drug appears to work...
`He and Mrs Stein have a plan,' she explained...
I explained that each person has different ideas of what freedom is.
2 [VERB] V, V n, V pron-refl, V wh, V that, also V n to n, V with quote
If you explain something that has happened, you give people reasons for it, especially in an attempt to justify it.
`Let me explain, sir.'--`Don't tell me about it. I don't want to know.'...
Before she ran away, she left a note explaining her actions...
Hospital discipline was broken. Amy would have to explain herself...
Explain why you didn't telephone...
The receptionist apologized for the delay, explaining that it had been a hectic day.explain away
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V n P
If someone explains away a mistake or a bad situation they are responsible for, they try to indicate that it is unimportant or that it is not really their fault.
He evaded her questions about the war and tried to explain away the atrocities...
I had noticed blood on my husband's clothing but he explained it away.

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