/ɪk'spleɪn; ɪk`splen/
v
1 [Tn, Tw, Dn.pr] ~ sth (to sb) make sth plain or clear; give the meaning of sth 解释; 讲解; 说明; 阐明
*A dictionary explains the meaning of words. 词典是解释词义的工具书.
* He explained his plan in some detail. 他仔细地说明了自己的计划.
* Could you explain why you left? 你能说说你为什么离开的吗?
* Please explain this problem to me. 请把这个问题给我讲解一下.
2 [Tn, Tf, Tw, Dn.pr, Dpr.f, Dpr.w] ~ sth (to sb) give or be a reason for sth; account for sth 说明某事物的原因或理由; 为某事物辩解
*That explains his absence. 那就是他缺席的原因.
* He explained that his train had been delayed. 他解释说他乘坐的火车误点了.
* They explained what had happened. 他们为所发生的事进行了辩解.
* She explained her conduct to her boss. 她向老板说明了自己那种表现的原因.
* She explained to the children that the school had been closed. 她向孩子们解释说学校已经关门了.
* The manager has explained to customers why the goods were late. 经理已向顾客解释货物晚到的原因.
3 (idm 习语) ex`plain oneself
(a) make one's meaning clear 把自己的意思解释清楚
*I don't understand your argument. Could you explain yourself a bit more? 我不明白你的论点, 你能把意思再说清楚些吗?
(b) give reasons for one's behaviour 为自己的行为作解释
*In recent weeks you've been late every day. Please explain yourself. 近几个星期以来你每天都迟到. 请你说说原因.
4 (phr v) explain sth away give excuses why one should not be blamed for (a fault, mistake, etc) or why sth is not important 为（过失或错误等）辩解; 为某事物搪塞
*You will find it difficult to explain away your use of such offensive language. 你使用这样无礼的语言是很难说得过去的.
* He explained away his late arrival by blaming it on the crowded roads. 他辩称路上人多而把迟到一事推脱得一乾二净.

v [I and T]
[Date: 1500-1600; Language: Latin;Origin: explanare 'to make level, unfold', from planus 'level, flat']
to tell someone about something in a way that is clear or easy to understand
　Our lawyer carefully explained the procedure.
explain (to sb) why/how/what etc
　The librarian will explain how to use the catalogue system.
　Let me explain what I mean.
explain that
　He explained that it had been a difficult film to make.
explain sth to sb
　I explained the situation to the bank manager and he arranged a loan.
to give a reason for something or to be a reason for something
　Wait! I can explain everything.
　How can you explain that sort of behaviour?
explain that
　She explained that she had been ill.
explain why/how/what etc
　I'll explain why I don't believe your story.
　That still doesn't explain how he was able to hide the body.
explain yourself
a) to tell someone who is angry or upset with you the reasons why you did something
　I'm going to give you five seconds to explain yourself.
b) to say clearly what you mean
　Sorry, I'm not explaining myself very well.
explain away [explain sth⇔away] phr v
to make something seem less important or bad by giving reasons for it
　The difference in the treatment they receive is hard to explain away.

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HINT sense 1
You explain something to someone: He explained the system to me (NOT explained me the system).

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