explain the meaning

USAGE SUMMARY

'Explain the meaning' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want someone to provide an explanation of the meaning of something. For example: "Can you explain the meaning of this famous proverb?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Footnotes explain the meaning of such arcane acronyms as "QED" and "QPR".

The Guardian - Books

Haikal made a nurse explain the meaning of the many lines and numbers.

The New York Times

"Look, if I have to explain the meaning of existence, then it isn't funny".

The New Yorker

Brahms's symphonic passacaglia is when I can explain the meaning of those "abstract" quotation marks.

The Guardian - Music

"Explain the meaning and motivation behind commercials and programming," urges Shaw.

The Guardian

Artists are notoriously reluctant to explain the meaning of their work.

Independent

Here the guide breaks off to explain the meaning of different English words in Common Market parlance.

The Guardian

Ask Gormley to explain the meaning behind his artwork and you'll be met with mouthfuls of babble.

The Guardian

Both sides labored to explain the meaning of snippets of eavesdropped conversations carried on in a foreign language.

The New Yorker

Jung, Carl This German psychologist is frequently invoked to explain the meaning of the Ring cycle, though not here.

The Guardian - Music

Even the Internet and its collective wisdom has not been able to explain the meaning of Fez's monolith.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "explain the meaning", ensure that the explanation is tailored to the audience's level of understanding. Consider providing examples or analogies to aid comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or jargon-heavy language when you "explain the meaning", especially to a general audience. Keep the explanation clear and concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "explain the meaning" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to request or offer clarification of a word, phrase, concept, or symbol. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "explain the meaning" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for seeking or providing clarification. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in English. It appears across diverse contexts, from academic discussions and scientific publications to news reports and everyday conversations. Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for effective communication, provided explanations are tailored to the audience's understanding and avoid unnecessary complexity. Alternative phrases like "define the meaning" or "clarify the meaning" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define the meaning

Focuses more on providing a clear and concise definition.

clarify the meaning

Emphasizes making the meaning easier to understand, especially when it's ambiguous.

interpret the significance

Focuses on uncovering the deeper implications or importance of something.

elucidate the concept

More formal and often used in academic or technical contexts to clarify a complex idea.

spell out the definition

Suggests providing a very explicit and detailed explanation.

break down the meaning

Implies simplifying a complex meaning into smaller, more manageable parts.

expound on the significance

Suggests elaborating at length about the importance.

decipher the sense

Implies understanding something enigmatic or obscure.

unravel the mystery

Suggests solving a puzzle or revealing a hidden meaning.

decode the message

Similar to decipher, but often used when referring to a specific communication or symbol.

FAQs

How can I use "explain the meaning" in a sentence?

You can use "explain the meaning" when you want someone to clarify or define something. For example, "Can you explain the meaning of this phrase?" or "The teacher will explain the meaning of the poem".

What's a simpler way to say "explain the meaning"?

Alternatives to "explain the meaning" include "define the meaning" or "clarify the meaning", depending on the specific context.

How does "explain the meaning" differ from "interpret the meaning"?

"Explain the meaning" usually involves providing a straightforward definition, while "interpret the significance" involves understanding deeper implications or significance.

What's the difference between "explain the meaning" and "describe the meaning"?

"Explain the meaning" focuses on clarifying a definition, while describing the meaning focuses on giving a general account or impression.