explaining
UK[ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ]US[ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ]
v
(present participle of explain) Making an idea, situation, or problem clear to someone by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts.
v
(present participle of explain) Giving a reason or justification for an action or event.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
plain
ing
ex
out,
plain
flat,
ing
Etymology
The verb 'explain' originates from the Latin explanare, meaning "to make level, flatten out, or make clear." This Latin term itself is a compound of the intensive prefix ex- ("out") and the adjective planus ("flat, level, clear"). The core semantic logic is metaphorical: just as flattening land makes its features visible and navigable, explaining a concept "flattens out" its complexities, rendering it clear and comprehensible to the mind. The addition of the '-ing' suffix, of Germanic origin, transforms the verb into its present participle form, denoting the continuous action of this clarifying process.
Analysis
Structure: ex + plain + ing
- ex: A Latin prefix meaning "out," "thoroughly," or "completely." It functions as an intensifier in this word.
- plain: From Latin planus, meaning "flat," "clear," or "level." It serves as the core root conveying the sense of making clear.
- ing: An Old English suffix forming the present participle of verbs, indicating an ongoing action or state.
Examples
She spent the afternoon explaining the new software to her team.
The teacher is explaining the scientific principle with a simple diagram.
He had difficulty explaining his absence from the meeting.