expliquer
/ɛksplike/
1.
verbInf1st
explain
clarify
make (something) understood
teach (in the sense of explaining how something works)
Tu peux m'expliquer comment ça marche ?
Can you explain to me how this works?
Synonyms:clarifier, éclaircir, expliciter, faire comprendre, exposer
2.
verbInf1st
account for
serve as the reason for
explain (the cause of something)
Cela pourrait expliquer pourquoi il n'est pas venu.
That could explain why he didn't come.
Synonyms:justifier, motiver
3.
verbInf1st
explain oneself
justify one's actions
clear things up with someone (reflexive use: s'expliquer)
Ils ont préféré s'expliquer plutôt que de se fâcher.
They preferred to explain themselves rather than get angry.
Synonyms:se justifier, se défendre, clarifier (la situation)
