explain explain /ɪkˈspleɪn/

verb

1. () Make plain and comprehensible  ( explicate , explain )
   make plain and comprehensible
    He explained the laws of physics to his students
   He explained the laws of physics to his students
   
2. () Define  ( explain )
   define
    The committee explained their plan for fund-raising to the Dean
   The committee explained their plan for fund-raising to the Dean
   
3. () Serve as a reason, cause or justification of  ( excuse , explain )
   serve as a reason, cause or justification of
    Your need to sleep late does not excuse your late arrival at work
   Your need to sleep late does not excuse your late arrival at work
    Her recent divorce may explain her reluctance to date again
   Her recent divorce may explain her reluctance to date again