Say vs Explain: What's the Difference?

Quick Difference

Say means to express something in words. Explain means (transitive) To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of..

Say Meaning

to express something in words.

Explain Meaning

(transitive) To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.

Say vs Explain Comparison Table

FeatureSayExplain

Meaningto express something in words(transitive) To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of.

Part of speechverbverb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between say and explain?

Say means to express something in words, while explain means (transitive) To make plain, manifest, or intelligible; to clear of obscurity; to illustrate the meaning of..