explained
word · lemma: explain
/ɪksˈpɫeɪnd/
ik-PLAYND
/ɛksplˈeɪnd/
ik-SPLAYND
Definition
Past form of 'explain'. It means made something clear by giving details, reasons, or information; in passive use, it can mean that something was made clear.
Usage & Nuances
Usually followed by what was made clear: 'explain the problem', 'explain why'. 'Explained to' is used before a person: 'She explained it to me.' Learners often confuse 'explain me' with the correct 'explain to me'.
Spanish: explicó - explicadoPortuguese (BR): explicou - explicadoPortuguese (PT): explicou - explicadoChinese (Simplified): 解释了 - 被解释Chinese (Traditional): 解釋了 - 被解釋Hindi: समझाया - समझाया गयाArabic: شرح - تم شرحهBengali: বুঝিয়েছিলেন - ব্যাখ্যা করেছিলেনRussian: объяснил - объяснила - объяснилиJapanese: 説明したVietnamese: đã giải thíchKorean: 설명했다Turkish: açıkladıUrdu: سمجھایاIndonesian: menjelaskan
Example Sentences
He explained why he was late.
basic
The rules were explained on the first day.
basic
She explained it to me like I was five.
natural
The teacher explained the answer slowly.
basic
No one explained how this machine works.
natural
That doesn't mean everything is explained.
natural