definition of
explain

[1] #1 explain v. [explicate] make plain and comprehensible; "He explained the laws of physics to his students". wn

[2] #2 explain v. define; "The committee explained their plan for fund-raising to the Dean". wn

[3] #3 explain v. [excuse] serve as a reason or cause or justification of; "Your need to sleep late does not excuse your late arrival at work"; "Her recent divorce may explain her reluctance to date again". wn