explaining
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for explaining, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of making something clear or giving a reason for it.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Frequently asked questions
What does “explaining” mean?
The word “explaining” means the act of making something clear or giving a reason for it. In plain terms, the -ing form of "explain," used as a noun.
How do you use “explaining” in a sentence?
Here is “explaining” used in a sentence: “Explaining the rules took longer than playing the game.”
What part of speech is “explaining”?
“Explaining” is a noun.
Is “explaining” a common word?
“Explaining” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between explaining and describing?
Explaining means making something clear or giving the reasons behind it so it can be understood, while describing means giving details about what something is like. You explain how a machine works, but you describe what it looks like.
What is the difference between explaining and explanation?
Explaining is the ongoing act or process of making something clear, while an explanation is the statement or reason that results from it. You might spend time explaining a problem, and the explanation is what the listener finally understands.
Is explaining the same as justifying?
Not quite: explaining simply makes something clear or gives a reason for it, while justifying tries to show that something is right or reasonable. Explaining a mistake describes how it happened, whereas justifying it argues that it was acceptable.