to make (something) plain or understandable, esp by giving details
to give the reason for or cause of (something)
She was unwilling to explain her conduct
to make something plain or understandable
explain oneself
to clarify one's statements or the reasons for one's conduct
explainable adj
explainer noun
explanation noun
[Middle English explanen from Latin explanare, literally ‘to make level’, from ex-1 + planus level, flat]