adv
Common
explicitly
Explicitly (adv) means In a clear, direct, and unambiguous way. Example: “The teacher explicitly told us to bring a pencil, not a pen.”
adv
1
In a clear, direct, and unambiguous way.
"The teacher explicitly told us to bring a pencil, not a pen."
"She explicitly asked him not to call after 9 pm."
"The policy explicitly forbids smoking indoors."
How to use explicitly
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSaid or done in a direct, unmistakable way.
Common pairings
explicitly stated
explicitly forbidden
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more explicitly
- Superlative
- most explicitly
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The teacher _____ told us to bring a pencil, not a pen.
Etymology
From explicit + the adverb ending -ly.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for explicitly
See all rhymes for explicitly →Frequently asked questions
What does “explicitly” mean?
The word “explicitly” means in a clear, direct, and unambiguous way. In plain terms, said or done in a direct, unmistakable way.
How do you use “explicitly” in a sentence?
Here is “explicitly” used in a sentence: “She explicitly asked him not to call after 9 pm.”
What is the opposite of “explicitly”?
The opposite of “explicitly” — its antonyms — are implicitly, ambiguously, equivocally and vaguely.
What part of speech is “explicitly”?
“Explicitly” is an adverb.
Is “explicitly” a common word?
“Explicitly” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between explicitly and implicitly?
They are opposites. Explicitly means stating something in a clear, direct, and unambiguous way, while implicitly means suggesting it without saying it outright.
What is the difference between explicitly and specifically?
Explicitly stresses that something is said openly and unambiguously, leaving no doubt, while specifically stresses precision or focus on a particular point. You can state something explicitly and also address it specifically, but the two words highlight different qualities.
Where does explicitly go in a sentence?
As an adverb, explicitly usually sits directly before the verb it modifies, as in "she explicitly refused," or before an adjective. It can also follow the verb ("he stated explicitly that…") when you want to emphasise the manner.
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