1 ~ sth (to sb) to tell sb about sth in a way that makes it easy to understand:
[VN] First, I'll explain the rules of the game. * It was difficult to explain the problem to beginners. * [V] 'Let me explain!' he added helpfully. * She explained to them what to do in an emergency. * [Vthat] I explained that an ambulance would be coming soon. * [Vwh-] He explained who each person in the photo was. * Can you explain how the e-mail system works? * [Vspeech] 'It works like this,' she explained. [also VNthat]
2 ~ sth (to sb) to give a reason, or be a reason, for sth:
[V] She tried to explain but he wouldn't listen. * [Vthat] Alex explained that his car had broken down. * [Vwh-] Well, that doesn't explain why you didn't phone. * [VN] Scientific findings that help explain the origins of the universe. * The government now has to explain its decision to the public. * (spoken) Oh well then, that explains it (= I understand now why sth happened).
HELPNOTE You cannot say 'explain me, him, her, etc.': Can you explain the situation to me? * _C_a_n_ _y_o_u_ _e_x_p_l_a_i_n_ _m_e_ _t_h_e_ _s_i_t_u_a_t_i_o_n_? * I'll explain to you why I like it. * _I_'_l_l_ _e_x_p_l_a_i_n_ _y_o_u_ _w_h_y_ _I_ _l_i_k_e_ _i_t_.
IDIOMS
explain yourself
1 to give sb reasons for your behaviour, especially when they are angry or upset because of it:
I really don't see why I should have to explain myself to you.
2 to say what you mean in a clear way:
Could you explain yourself a little more-I didn't understand.
PHRASALVERBS
explain sth<->away to give reasons why sth is not your fault or why sth is not important
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WORDFAMILY
explain v.
explanation n.
explanatory adj.
explicable adj. (=/= inexplicable)
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