To give reasons or excuses for something problematic in a way that minimizes it or tries to make it seem unimportant.
To try to make a bad thing seem not so bad by giving reasons for it.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To offer an explanation for something embarrassing, problematic, or incriminating in order to make it seem less serious or important.
"The minister struggled to explain away the contradictions in his earlier statement."
You can't explain away the deaths of 135,000 Iraqi civilians.
— George Galloway, speech to the US Senate, 2005
To dismiss a phenomenon or fact by providing an alternative explanation that reduces its significance.
"Scientists initially tried to explain away the anomaly as a measurement error."
Often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying the explanation is evasive or unconvincing. Frequently used in political, legal, or journalistic contexts. Can be used critically ('he tried to explain it away') or neutrally.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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