explains

Explains is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb explain. It is used to indicate that a subject provides clarification or reasoning to an audience. For example, the teacher explains the concept, or the report explains the methodology. The verb explain means to make something clear by presenting facts, reasons, or a method.

Etymology: explain derives from Middle English explainen, from Old French expliquer, from Latin explicare, meaning to unfold or set forth, from ex- "out" + plicare "to fold." The sense broadened to include giving an account or justification.

Usage: explains typically takes a direct object—the thing being clarified—and is often followed by a clause beginning with why, how, or that. It can be used in the active voice (She explains) or in the passive voice (It is explained). In writing, explaining a result means linking observations to underlying principles and offering causal or functional reasoning.

See also: explanation, explanatory.