# explain

> English word · Verb · IPA /ɪkˈspleɪn/ · frequency rank #1,365

## Definitions
1. To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.
2. To give the reason for, justification for, or cause of.
3. To make flat, smooth out.
4. To unfold or make visible.
5. To make something plain or intelligible.

## Etymology
From Middle English explanen, from Old French explaner, from Latin explanō (“to flatten, spread out, make plain or clear, explain”), from ex- (“out”) + planō (“to flatten, make level”), from planus (“level, plain”); see plain and plane. Compare esplanade, splanade. Displaced Old English reċċan.

## Easily confused with
- **exploit** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/explain-vs-exploit)
- **explained** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/explain-vs-explained)
- **exclaim** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/exclaim-vs-explain)

## Common misspellings (10)
`epxlain`, `exlpain`, `expalin`, `explainn`, `explani`, `explian`, `expllain`, `expplain`, `exxplain`, `xeplain`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/explain