vt.

1. 解釋；說明；闡明[（+to）][+wh-][+（that）]
   He explained that he had been cheated.

   他解釋說他是上當受騙了。

   Can you explain how the machine operates?

   你能解釋一下這機器是如何運轉的嗎？

   Please explain this rule to me.

   請給我講解一下這條規則。

2. 為……辯解；說明……的理由（或原因）[+wh-]
   He made up a story to explain why he was absent.

   他編造了一個故事為他的缺席辯解。

vi.

1. 解釋；說明；辯解
   I've got to explain about it.

   我得解釋一下此事。

v.

1. make (something) clear by providing more detail.
2. give a reason or justification for.
   ▸ (explain oneself) excuse or justify one's behaviour.
   ▸ (explain something away) minimize the significance of something embarrassing by giving an excuse or justification.