explain implies a making plain or intelligible what is not immediately obvious or entirely known.
explain the rules
expound implies a careful often elaborate explanation.
expounding a scientific theory
explicate adds the idea of a developed or detailed analysis.
explicate a poem
elucidate stresses the throwing of light upon as by offering details or motives previously unclear or only implicit.
elucidate an obscure passage
interpret adds to explain the need for imagination or sympathy or special knowledge in dealing with something.
interpreting a work of art
Example Sentences
The article expounds the virtues of a healthy diet. When asked to expound, he had no comment.
Recent Examples on the WebKelly did not expound on Thompson-Robinson’s status for next week. Joe Reedy, al, 10 Sep. 2022 The original ad, which plays before every film at AMC, sees Kidman walk into a completely empty theater and expound on the Magic of the Movies in a hilariously over-the-top fashion. Brendan Morrow, The Week, 1 Sep. 2022 It will be augmented by an online website, The Mission Channel, that mirrors the magazine and expands the expressive arts experience with animation, video and audio, as authors read their words and expound on their works.San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 2022 Here, the action and humor – of raising children, in this case – offer Hershovitz opportunities to expound upon an assortment of philosophical principles related to rights, punishment, knowledge, infinity, and more. Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 May 2022 Part of that name-making involved inviting climbers and adventurers to the store to expound on their lives, work, and travels—a common practice now, but groundbreaking for a retail shop half a century ago. Micah Ling, Outside Online, 14 Feb. 2022 Both curators describe themselves as ideas people, so the possibility of a second season to expound on their investment in the first is enticing to both. Janelle Harris Dixon, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Aug. 2022 Both the White House and the Kentucky governor’s office have declined to expound on the conversations and decisions involving Meredith. Tyler Pager And Cleve R. Wootson Jr., Anchorage Daily News, 7 July 2022 That leaves barely more than 150 pages for Bishop to reflect and expound on his life. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French espundre, expondre, from Latin exponere to explain — more at expose