explicit
Explicit means stating something clearly and directly so there is no confusion.
Explanation at your level:
Explicit means very clear. If you are explicit, you tell someone exactly what you want. For example, if you say 'Please close the door,' that is an explicit instruction. You are not hiding anything. You use this when you want to be sure that people understand you well.
When you are explicit, you give all the details. It is the opposite of being vague. If your teacher gives you explicit instructions, you know exactly what to do for your homework. It is a good way to avoid mistakes because everything is explained clearly.
The adjective explicit describes communication that is direct and leaves nothing to the imagination. It is often used in professional or serious contexts. For instance, if a contract has explicit terms, those rules are written down clearly so both sides know what they have agreed to. It helps to prevent confusion in important situations.
Using explicit allows you to be precise about your requirements or expectations. It is frequently used in collocations like 'explicit permission' or 'explicitly stated.' Unlike 'implicit' information, which is suggested, explicit information is stated openly. It is a high-register word that adds authority to your speech or writing.
In advanced English, explicit is used to contrast with 'tacit' or 'implicit' knowledge. It is essential in academic writing where clarity is paramount. For example, you might write, 'The author makes an explicit reference to historical events,' meaning the reference is direct and unmistakable. It is also used in technical contexts to describe data or code that is fully defined rather than inferred.
At the C2 level, you understand that explicit can also carry nuances regarding content, such as 'explicit lyrics' or 'explicit scenes,' which refer to graphic or mature material. Etymologically, it relates to the act of unfolding, which is a beautiful way to think about how we 'unfold' complex ideas through language. Mastery of this word involves knowing when to use it to demand clarity and when to use it to describe the nature of information itself.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Explicit means clear and direct.
- It comes from the Latin for 'unfold'.
- It is the opposite of implicit.
- It is used to ensure no confusion.
When we say something is explicit, we mean it is laid out clearly and directly. Think of it as the opposite of being vague or mysterious. If you give someone explicit instructions, you are telling them exactly what to do, step-by-step, so they cannot possibly get it wrong.
Using this word helps you emphasize that you are not hiding anything. It is a very useful term in professional settings, like when a boss gives an explicit order, or in daily life when you want to avoid a misunderstanding with a friend. Being explicit is often seen as a sign of honesty and clarity.
The word explicit comes from the Latin word explicitus, which is the past participle of explicare. This Latin root literally means to unfold or untangle. Imagine a piece of paper that was once folded up—making it explicit is like unfolding it so everyone can see what is written inside.
Historically, the word entered English in the 17th century. It evolved from describing physical objects being 'unfolded' to describing ideas or language that have been 'unfolded' for the mind to understand easily. It shares a root with the word explain, which makes sense because when you explain something, you are essentially unfolding the logic for someone else.
You will most often hear explicit used alongside nouns like instructions, details, content, or threats. It is a versatile word that works well in both formal business emails and casual conversations, though it carries a slightly 'serious' tone.
Common collocations include explicitly stated, explicit agreement, or explicit permission. If you are writing a formal report, using this word shows that you are precise. In casual talk, you might say, 'I was explicit about not wanting onions on my pizza,' to show you made your preference very clear.
While there aren't many idioms that use the word 'explicit' directly, it is often part of set phrases. 1. Explicitly clear: Used for emphasis to show something is perfectly understood. 2. Make it explicit: To force someone to state their intentions. 3. Explicit detail: Describing something with high precision. 4. Explicit consent: A legal term for clear, direct permission. 5. Explicitly forbidden: When a rule is stated clearly so no one can break it by accident.
Explicit is an adjective, so it usually comes before a noun (e.g., an explicit warning) or after a linking verb (e.g., the instructions were explicit). The adverbial form is explicitly, which you use to describe how an action is done.
Pronunciation: In both British and American English, the stress is on the second syllable: ik-SPLIS-it. It rhymes with words like implicit, solicit, and illicit. Remember to pronounce the 't' at the end clearly to distinguish it from similar-sounding words.
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'complex', which literally means 'folded together'.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 't' sound at the end.
Similar to UK, clear stress on second syllable.
Common Errors
- Dropping the final 't'
- Misplacing stress on the first syllable
- Confusing with 'implicit'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Accessible for intermediate learners
Useful for formal writing
Common in daily conversation
Often heard in instructions
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
Adjective placement
The explicit sign.
Adverb formation
Explicitly stated.
Linking verbs
The rules are explicit.
Examples by Level
The teacher gave explicit instructions.
Clear instructions
Adjective before noun
Be explicit when you speak.
Be clear
Imperative
The sign was explicit.
The sign was clear
Linking verb
I want an explicit answer.
A direct answer
Article usage
He was very explicit.
He was very clear
Intensifier
Is the rule explicit?
Is it clear?
Question form
She gave explicit details.
Clear details
Plural noun
The map is explicit.
The map is clear
Simple sentence
The map gave explicit directions to the park.
She was explicit about her needs.
The contract has explicit terms.
Please be explicit in your email.
The warning was quite explicit.
They reached an explicit agreement.
The instructions were not explicit enough.
He gave an explicit description of the event.
The professor was explicit about the grading criteria.
We need an explicit confirmation from the client.
The policy makes an explicit mention of safety.
He was explicit in his refusal to help.
The movie contains explicit language.
There was no explicit rule against it.
She made her preferences explicit.
The code requires explicit input from the user.
The document provides explicit guidance on the matter.
He was explicit about his political stance.
The law contains explicit provisions for this case.
They had an explicit discussion about the budget.
The artist's work is quite explicit in its themes.
The instructions were explicit, yet he still failed.
We require explicit consent to process your data.
The text is explicit regarding the potential risks.
The author makes an explicit connection between the two chapters.
The theory lacks an explicit mechanism for change.
The study provides explicit evidence for the hypothesis.
He gave an explicit account of what transpired.
The software requires explicit configuration by the admin.
The agreement was explicit, leaving no room for negotiation.
The poem contains explicit imagery of the war.
The distinction between the two is not explicit.
The philosopher provides an explicit critique of modern ethics.
The architecture relies on explicit structural logic.
The treaty includes explicit clauses for dispute resolution.
His refusal was explicit and left no doubt.
The curriculum is explicit about learning outcomes.
The data model requires explicit mapping of variables.
The narrative is explicit in its condemnation of greed.
The research offers an explicit analysis of the phenomenon.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"in no uncertain terms"
Very clearly and directly
He told me in no uncertain terms to leave.
neutral"spell it out"
To explain something very clearly
Do I have to spell it out for you?
casual"put it plainly"
To speak directly
To put it plainly, we are broke.
neutral"black and white"
Clearly written or defined
It's all there in black and white.
neutral"lay it on the line"
To speak honestly
He laid it on the line about the budget.
casualEasily Confused
Antonym
Implicit is suggested; Explicit is stated.
Explicit rules vs. implicit social norms.
Similar meaning
Obvious is for things seen; Explicit is for communication.
It's obvious he's tired vs. He was explicit about his fatigue.
Synonym
Precise is about accuracy; Explicit is about clarity.
A precise measurement vs. An explicit instruction.
Synonym
Clear is general; Explicit is specific and detailed.
A clear sky vs. An explicit warning.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + be + explicit + about + noun
He was explicit about the rules.
Adverb + explicit + noun
The explicitly stated goal.
Make + object + explicit
We must make our intentions explicit.
Explicit + noun + to + verb
Explicit instructions to wait.
It + be + explicit + that + clause
It is explicit that we must leave.
Familia de palabras
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Relacionado
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
They are different concepts.
They are opposites.
No 'e' at the end.
Explicit refers to communication.
The 't' is audible.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine an 'X' marking the spot—it makes the location explicit.
When Native Speakers Use It
They use it when they need to be 100% sure they are understood.
Cultural Insight
In Western business, being explicit is often valued as professional.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'explicitly' if you are modifying a verb.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'SPLIS' sound in the middle.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't confuse it with 'implicit'.
Did You Know?
It comes from the same root as 'explain'.
Study Smart
Create a list of 5 things you need to be explicit about today.
Writing Tip
Use it to add precision to your essays.
Speaking Tip
Use it when giving directions to avoid confusion.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
EX-PLICIT: EX-plain PLAINly and IT will be clear.
Visual Association
An unfolded map showing the path clearly.
Word Web
Desafío
Try to give explicit directions to a friend today.
Origen de la palabra
Latin
Original meaning: Unfolded
Contexto cultural
Can sometimes refer to mature/adult content.
Used often in legal and professional settings.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
at work
- explicit instructions
- explicit agreement
- explicitly stated
at school
- explicit feedback
- explicit criteria
- explicitly explained
legal
- explicit consent
- explicit terms
- explicitly forbidden
travel
- explicit directions
- explicitly marked
- explicit signage
Conversation Starters
"Can you give me explicit instructions on how to do this?"
"Why is it important to be explicit in a relationship?"
"Have you ever had a misunderstanding because someone wasn't explicit enough?"
"When is it better to be implicit rather than explicit?"
"How do you ensure you are being explicit in your emails?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time you had to be very explicit to avoid a mistake.
Why do you think some people prefer to be vague instead of explicit?
Write about a rule that should be made more explicit in your life.
Reflect on a situation where an explicit warning saved you.
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasNo, it just means clear. It only becomes 'bad' if used to describe inappropriate content.
Usually, we use it for information, instructions, or language.
Explicit is a stronger, more precise way of saying clear.
Use it as an adjective before a noun or after a linking verb.
It is neutral but often used in formal settings.
Yes, it is common.
Only when referring to 'explicit content' (mature themes).
Explicitly.
Ponte a prueba
Please be ___ about what you want.
Explicit means clear.
Which means the same as explicit?
Explicit means clear.
Explicit and implicit mean the same thing.
They are opposites.
Word
Significado
Synonyms and antonyms.
Subject-verb-adjective structure.
The ___ instructions left no room for error.
Explicit fits best.
What is the root of explicit?
Latin 'explicare' means unfold.
You can use explicit to describe a secret.
Explicit means open, not secret.
Word
Significado
Word forms.
Adverb placement.
Puntuación: /10
Summary
To be explicit is to unfold your thoughts so clearly that everyone understands exactly what you mean.
- Explicit means clear and direct.
- It comes from the Latin for 'unfold'.
- It is the opposite of implicit.
- It is used to ensure no confusion.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine an 'X' marking the spot—it makes the location explicit.
When Native Speakers Use It
They use it when they need to be 100% sure they are understood.
Cultural Insight
In Western business, being explicit is often valued as professional.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use 'explicitly' if you are modifying a verb.
Ejemplo
He gave me explicit directions to his house so I would not get lost.
Related Content
Esta palabra en otros idiomas
Más palabras de Communication
aah
A1Es una exclamación que haces cuando te sientes aliviado, contento o feliz. A veces, también se usa para expresar dolor o sorpresa.
accentuate
C1To make a particular feature of something more noticeable or prominent. It is frequently used to describe how one thing emphasizes the beauty, importance, or intensity of another.
acknowledgment
B2An acknowledgment is the act of accepting or admitting that something is true, or a formal statement confirming that something has been received. It can also refer to a public expression of thanks for someone's help or contribution.
actually
B1Actually is used to emphasize that something is a real fact or the truth, often contrasting with what was thought or said. It can also be used to introduce a surprising piece of information or to gently correct someone.
address
A2Dirigirse a alguien directamente o encargarse de un problema. También se usa al dar un discurso o escribir una dirección en una carta.
addressee
B2The person or organization to whom a letter, package, or message is addressed. It refers to the intended recipient of a piece of communication.
adlocment
C1Describes a style of communication or behavior that is formal, directed, and oratorical in nature, specifically pertaining to a public address or a declamatory speech. It is used to characterize language that is intentionally designed to be heard by an audience for the purpose of instruction or inspiration.
adloctude
C1Un estilo de comunicación formal y directo. Se percibe como alguien accesible pero que mantiene una clara autoridad en su trato.
admonish
C1To firmly warn or reprimand someone for their behavior, or to advise someone earnestly to do or avoid something. It often implies a sense of moral guidance or authoritative concern rather than just anger.
adpassant
C1To mention or address a secondary topic briefly and incidentally while focused on a primary task or discussion. It describes an action that occurs seamlessly 'in passing' without disrupting the main narrative or workflow.
