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Added 3 October 2026

explain

/ɪkˈspleɪn/ verb

In Latin: explānō, explicō Wiktionary

verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about explain at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.
The issue was explained to the governor in detail.
To give the reason for, justification for, or cause of.
To make flat, smooth out.

Origin

From Middle English explanen, from Old French explaner, from Latin explanō (“to flatten, spread out, make plain or clear, explain”), from ex- (“out”) + planō (“to flatten, make level”), from planus (“level, plain”); see plain and plane. Compare esplanade, splanade. Displaced Old English reċċan.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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