Formal:
* Explain: This is a general term for making something clear.
* Clarify: This emphasizes removing ambiguity or confusion.
* Elucidate: This implies a more detailed and thorough explanation.
* Articulate: This suggests expressing the meaning clearly and effectively.
* Define: This specifically means to state the meaning of a word or concept.
* Interpret: This suggests understanding and explaining the meaning of something complex.
Informal:
* Break down: This implies simplifying something complex.
* Put into words: This suggests expressing something clearly and concisely.
* Spell out: This emphasizes making something very explicit.
* Get across: This implies communicating something successfully.
More specific:
* Translate: This means to convey the meaning of something from one language to another.
* Paraphrase: This means to restate something in different words.
* Summarize: This means to provide a brief overview of something.
The best word to use will depend on the specific context.