Explain away meaning

To justify or dismiss an explanation for something in order to make it seem less important or troublesome.


Explain away definitions

Word backwards nialpxe yawa
Part of speech The word "explain away" is a verb.
Syllabic division ex-plain a-way
Plural The plural of the word "explain away" is "explains away."
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) e,a,i
Consonants (6) x,p,l,n,w,y

Explanation of Explain Away

In various situations, individuals may attempt to provide excuses or justifications for certain actions or events to avoid taking responsibility or facing the consequences. This behavior is commonly known as explain away. It involves trying to rationalize or minimize the impact of something through verbal explanations that may not fully align with the truth.

Common Examples

People often attempt to explain away their mistakes or misdeeds by blaming external factors or circumstances. For instance, someone may justify being late for a meeting by citing heavy traffic as the reason, even if they could have left earlier to account for potential delays. In relationships, individuals might try to explain away their behavior by shifting the blame onto their partners instead of taking responsibility for their actions.

Psychological Implications

Explain away behavior can be indicative of deeper psychological issues such as denial, avoidance, or a reluctance to confront uncomfortable truths. By providing explanations that deflect accountability, individuals may temporarily alleviate feelings of guilt or shame, but this can ultimately hinder personal growth and conflict resolution in the long run.

Impact on Communication

When individuals habitually explain away their actions or decisions, it can erode trust and credibility in their interactions with others. Constantly offering excuses or justifications may strain relationships and create a pattern of dishonest communication. It is essential to practice transparency and honesty in communication to foster genuine connections with others.

Overcoming the Urge to Explain Away

To combat the tendency to explain away, individuals must cultivate self-awareness and accountability. Recognizing the underlying reasons for this behavior, such as fear of judgment or rejection, can help individuals address and overcome these insecurities. Taking ownership of mistakes and being open to feedback are crucial steps in breaking the cycle of constant justification.


Explain away Examples

  1. She tried to explain away her tardiness by blaming traffic.
  2. He couldn't simply explain away his mistake this time.
  3. The politician attempted to explain away the scandal, but no one believed him.
  4. The student tried to explain away his failing grade by saying he didn't understand the material.
  5. She knew she couldn't explain away her absence from the meeting.
  6. He tried to explain away his lack of preparation for the presentation.
  7. The company CEO tried to explain away the decrease in profits during the shareholder meeting.
  8. She couldn't explain away the evidence against her in court.
  9. He felt guilty about his actions and couldn't explain them away.
  10. She was caught lying but tried to explain it away as a misunderstanding.


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  • Updated 06/05/2024 - 12:51:18