Emily Dickinson Lexicon

explain (-ed), v. [L. ex, out + planus, flat.]

1. Clarify; define; elucidate; make intelligible; shed light on; enlighten to understanding. [Webster 1844] “The first business of a preacher is to explain his text. Notes and comments are intended to explain the Scriptures.”
2. Expound; talk about; justify with logic; explicate with reason; illustrate by discourse.