explicit
Explicit (adj) means Stated clearly and in detail, leaving nothing implied. Example: “She gave explicit instructions on how to assemble the furniture.”
How to use explicit
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClearly and directly stated, with no ambiguity — or, in media, graphically frank.
Don't confuse with "implicit," which means suggested or understood without being directly stated — the two are near-opposites.
Word forms
more explicit comparative, explicits plural, most explicit superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She gave _____ instructions on how to assemble the furniture.
Etymology
From Latin explicitus, "unfolded, disentangled," related to explicare ("to unfold").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for explicit
See all rhymes for explicit →Frequently asked questions
What does “explicit” mean?
The word “explicit” means stated clearly and in detail, leaving nothing implied. In plain terms, clearly and directly stated, with no ambiguity — or, in media, graphically frank.
How do you pronounce “explicit”?
“Explicit” is pronounced ihk-SPLIHS-iht (/ɪkˈsplɪs.ɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “explicit” in a sentence?
Here is “explicit” used in a sentence: “She gave explicit instructions on how to assemble the furniture.”
What is another word for “explicit”?
Words with a similar meaning to “explicit” include clear, direct, express, monosemic, monosemous and patent.
What is the opposite of “explicit”?
The opposite of “explicit” — its antonyms — are ambiguous, equivocal, implicit, implied and polysemous.
What part of speech is “explicit”?
“Explicit” is an adjective.
Where does the word “explicit” come from?
The word “explicit” comes from Latin. From Latin explicitus, "unfolded, disentangled," related to explicare ("to unfold").
Is “explicit” a common word?
“Explicit” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between explicit and implicit?
Explicit and implicit are opposites. Explicit means stated clearly and in detail with nothing left unsaid, while implicit means suggested or understood without being directly stated.
What is the difference between explicit and clear?
The two overlap but differ in emphasis. Explicit stresses that everything is spelled out directly with nothing implied, while clear stresses being easy to understand; something can be clear in general terms yet not fully explicit about the details.
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