Finding the Appropriate Synonym for Explain

The question asks us to select the most appropriate synonym for the underlined word "explain" in the sentence: "The committee wanted us to explain this in detail." A synonym is a word or phrase that means exactly or nearly the same as another word or phrase in the same language.

In this specific sentence, the phrase is "explain this in detail". We are looking for a single word that can effectively replace or capture the meaning of "explain in detail".

Analysing the Options for Synonym

Let's look at the provided options and see which one fits best as a synonym for "explain in detail":

1. Elaborate
2. Trouble
3. Collect
4. Keen

Let's consider each option:

• Elaborate: To elaborate means to explain something in detail or more fully. When you elaborate on a topic, you add more information and discuss it thoroughly. This aligns perfectly with the phrase "explain this in detail".
• Trouble: To trouble means to cause problems or difficulty for someone. This has no relation to explaining something.
• Collect: To collect means to gather things together. This is completely unrelated to explaining something.
• Keen: Keen means having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm; it can also mean sharp or acute. This describes a feeling or a characteristic, not the act of explaining.

Identifying the Best Synonym for Explain in Detail

Comparing the options, "Elaborate" is the word that most closely matches the meaning of "explain in detail". The sentence could be rephrased as "The committee wanted us to elaborate on this."

Therefore, the most appropriate synonym for "explain" in the context of "explain in detail" is "Elaborate".

Based on the analysis, "Elaborate" is the only option that serves as a suitable synonym for explaining something thoroughly or in detail.

Revision Table: Understanding Synonyms

Additional Information: Explaining Concepts Clearly

When you need to explain something, especially in an academic or professional setting, using precise vocabulary is important. Depending on the context, other words can be used instead of or alongside "explain":

• Clarify: To make something clear or understandable.
• Describe: To give an account in words of someone or something, including all the relevant characteristics, qualities, or events.
• Illustrate: To explain or make something clear by using examples, pictures, or diagrams.
• Expound: To present and explain a theory or idea in detail.
• Interpret: To explain the meaning of (information, words, or actions).

Choosing the right word helps convey your message accurately. In this question, the addition of "in detail" makes "elaborate" the most fitting choice among the given options.