explain

Everyday

1. To make something clear or easy to understand by describing it. tree →
2. To give a reason for something: «Can you explain why you were late?» tree →

In the lessons

In school: «Explain your answer» or «explain your thinking» means write or say HOW you got it and WHY it is right, not only the answer; science asks you to explain what happened in an experiment. In everyday life: explaining a problem to a trusted adult. Phrases: explain to someone, explain why, explain how, explain yourself, explain your answer, explanation.

Examples

• Can you explain how you got 24? tree →
• The teacher explained the rules of the game. tree →
• Please explain why you were late. tree →
• Explain your answer with a picture. tree →
• I'll explain it again more slowly. tree →
• Can you explain how a rainbow forms? tree →
• She explained the problem to her mum. tree →
• There's no need to explain — I understand. tree →
• I cannot explain more at present. tree →

Note

Regular verb: explained. Say «explain something TO someone» — not «explain me». Noun: explanation (spelling: «explan-a-tion», no i after a). In maths tests, «explain» usually gives marks for working, not just the answer.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Jewish learning is full of explaining texts, and the Sefer Yetzirah has many commentators. In the primary lessons: In school: «Explain your answer» or «explain your thinking» means write or say HOW you got it and WHY it is right, not only the answer; science asks you to explain what happened in an experiment. In everyday life: explaining a problem to a trusted adult. Phrases: explain to someone, explain why, explain how, explain yourself, explain your answer, explanation.

Examples

• Hermetic rituals explain this Yetziratic attri- bution. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• This idea is then symbolically explained in the next paragraph. (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →
• This passage is explained by Isaac Satanow in his Hebrew Dictionary entitled Sephath Emeth, p. 44, b: (Sefer Yetzirah, Kalisch 1877) tree →

Note

Regular verb: explained. Say «explain something TO someone» — not «explain me». Noun: explanation (spelling: «explan-a-tion», no i after a). In maths tests, «explain» usually gives marks for working, not just the answer.