To explain
Example: The professor explained the causes of the American Revolution clearly.
Definition
"To explain" means to make an idea, situation, or problem clear to someone by describing it in detail or revealing relevant facts or reasons. It involves providing understanding or justification, as when a professor explained the causes of the American Revolution clearly.
Etymology
The verb "to explain" comes from the Latin word "explanare," meaning 'to make plain or flatten out.' This roots back to 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'planus' meaning 'flat or level.' Did you know? The idea was literally to 'make something flat' or 'clear,' which perfectly fits how we use "to explain" today—to clarify or make understandable.
Learn to use this word actively
"To explain" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - History - (C1) - set 1", containing 198 commonly used words.
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