explicit in 30 Seconds
- Explicit means being clear and direct. It is the opposite of hinting or suggesting things indirectly.
- It is often used for instructions, warnings, and legal terms to ensure everyone understands the details.
- In media, 'explicit' warns of graphic content like strong language or violence that is shown directly.
- Using 'explicitly' as an adverb helps emphasize that a statement was made with total clarity and no doubt.
The word explicit is a powerful adjective used to describe communication that is clear, direct, and leaves absolutely no room for confusion or misunderstanding. When something is explicit, every detail is laid out on the table, and the speaker or writer is not 'reading between the lines' or hinting at a meaning. Instead, they are stating exactly what they mean in a way that is visible, audible, and undeniable. In everyday life, we encounter this word in various contexts, from technical manuals that provide step-by-step guidance to legal contracts where every clause must be defined with precision to avoid future disputes.
- Core Definition
- To be explicit is to be fully and clearly expressed or demonstrated; leaving nothing merely implied. It is the opposite of being vague or suggestive.
- The 'No Doubt' Factor
- The primary function of explicit language is to eliminate ambiguity. If a teacher gives explicit instructions for an exam, students should not have to ask 'How many words?' or 'What pen should I use?' because those details were already provided.
The manager gave explicit orders that no one was to enter the building after 6:00 PM without a security pass.
In the world of media, the term takes on a slightly different but related nuance. You might see an 'Explicit Content' label on an album or a movie. In this case, the word means that the content (such as language or violence) is shown or spoken directly and graphically, rather than being hidden or suggested. This is still tied to the root meaning: nothing is left to the imagination; it is all right there in front of you.
She was quite explicit about why she was leaving the company, citing the lack of growth opportunities.
- Social Context
- In social settings, being explicit can sometimes be seen as blunt or overly direct, but in professional settings, it is usually valued as a sign of efficiency and honesty.
The recipe provides explicit measurements for every ingredient to ensure the cake rises perfectly.
The contract contains explicit terms regarding the payment schedule and late fees.
Using explicit correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective that modifies nouns—usually nouns related to communication, thought, or visual representation. It often appears before nouns like 'instructions,' 'directions,' 'details,' 'warnings,' or 'statements.' Because it describes the quality of being clear and detailed, it is a favorite in academic, legal, and technical writing where precision is paramount.
- Common Noun Pairings
- 1. Explicit instructions: 'Follow the explicit instructions on the box.'
2. Explicit consent: 'We need your explicit consent before sharing your data.'
3. Explicit detail: 'The witness described the scene in explicit detail.'
The doctor was explicit about the risks involved in the surgery, leaving no room for false hope.
You can also use the adverbial form, explicitly, to describe how an action is performed. This is very common when talking about how someone spoke or how a rule was written. For example, 'The rule explicitly forbids smoking.' This emphasizes that the rule doesn't just suggest you shouldn't smoke; it says it directly.
I explicitly told you to wait for me at the entrance, not inside the theater.
- Sentence Structures
- Structure A: [Subject] + [Linking Verb] + explicit + [Prepositional Phrase]. Example: 'The warning was explicit about the dangers.'
Structure B: [Subject] + [Verb] + explicit + [Noun]. Example: 'The guide gave explicit directions.'
There is an explicit link between lack of sleep and poor cognitive performance.
In the real world, explicit is a word that bridges the gap between formal documentation and everyday warnings. You will hear it most frequently in professional environments, media consumption, and legal scenarios. It is a 'high-stakes' word—when people use it, they are usually trying to ensure that something important is not missed or that they are protected from liability.
- In Music and Movies
- The most common place a young person might see this word is on Spotify or Apple Music. An 'Explicit' tag next to a song title means the lyrics contain swear words or adult themes. Here, it serves as a warning to parents and listeners.
- In the Workplace
- Managers often use it when discussing expectations. 'I need to be explicit about our goals for this quarter.' This means they are going to provide specific numbers and deadlines rather than just saying 'let's do our best.'
The software agreement requires explicit confirmation that you have read the terms and conditions.
In legal settings, 'explicit consent' is a major topic, especially regarding data privacy (like GDPR in Europe). Companies cannot just assume you want to receive emails; they must get your explicit permission, usually by having you check a box. In science and research, 'explicit variables' are those that are clearly defined and measured, ensuring that other scientists can replicate the experiment exactly.
The documentary was praised for its explicit portrayal of the challenges faced by refugees.
While explicit is a straightforward word, learners often trip over its relationship with its antonym, 'implicit,' or use it in contexts where 'specific' or 'clear' might be more natural but less precise. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker.
- Confusing Explicit with Implicit
- This is the #1 mistake. Remember: Explicit is External (out in the open). Implicit is Internal (hidden inside). If you say 'He gave me implicit instructions,' you mean he hinted at what to do. If you say 'He gave me explicit instructions,' you mean he told you exactly what to do.
- Thinking it only means 'Bad Content'
- Because of 'Explicit Content' labels on music, some learners think the word always refers to something inappropriate or rude. This is incorrect. An 'explicit explanation' of a math problem is a very good, helpful thing!
Incorrect: He was explicit that he liked the gift, even though he didn't say it.
Correct: He was implicit that he liked the gift; his smile gave it away.
Another mistake is using 'explicit' when you just mean 'easy.' While explicit instructions are usually easy to follow, the word 'explicit' refers to the detail and clarity, not the difficulty level. A set of explicit instructions for building a rocket engine would still be very difficult to follow!
The teacher made an explicit distinction between 'weather' and 'climate' during the lecture.
To truly master explicit, you should know when to use it instead of its synonyms. While 'clear' and 'plain' are good words, 'explicit' carries a weight of formality and thoroughness that the others lack.
- Explicit vs. Specific
- 'Specific' means relating to one particular thing. 'Explicit' means stated clearly. You can give a specific example that is not very explicit (it's a particular example, but you didn't explain it well).
- Explicit vs. Precise
- 'Precise' focuses on accuracy and exactness (like a measurement). 'Explicit' focuses on the clarity of the expression. A clock can be precise, but a person is explicit.
While his speech was clear, it wasn't explicit enough to tell us what to do next.
Other alternatives include unambiguous (meaning there is only one possible interpretation), straightforward (meaning simple and direct), and definite (meaning certain and clear). Use 'unambiguous' in scientific or legal contexts, and 'straightforward' in casual or business contexts.
The law provides unambiguous guidelines for environmental protection.
How Formal Is It?
"The applicant must provide explicit documentation of their previous employment."
"The instructions on the box are very explicit."
"I told him explicitly not to touch my phone, but he did it anyway!"
"The teacher used explicit steps to show us how to draw a cat."
"That movie was too explicit for me, man."
Fun Fact
In ancient times, when a book (a scroll) was finished, the scribe might write 'explicitus est liber', meaning 'the book is unrolled' or 'the book is finished'.
Pronunciation Guide
- Saying 'ex-plick-it' with a hard 'k' sound in the middle.
- Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.
- Confusing the pronunciation with 'explicate'.
- Dropping the 't' at the end entirely.
- Pronouncing the 'e' as a long 'ee' sound.
Difficulty Rating
Common in news and manuals, but the meaning is usually clear from context.
Requires understanding the difference between explicit and implicit.
Useful for being precise, but 'clear' is often used instead.
Easily recognized once the 'Parental Advisory' context is known.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective Placement
The explicit (adj) warning (noun) was helpful.
Adverb Formation
He spoke explicitly (adv) about the problem.
Comparative and Superlative
This manual is more explicit than the last one.
Using 'Be' + Adjective
Please be explicit.
Noun form 'Explicitness'
The explicitness of the images was shocking.
Examples by Level
The teacher gave explicit rules for the game.
Rules that are very clear.
Adjective modifying 'rules'.
Please be explicit about what you want for lunch.
Tell me exactly.
Used after the verb 'be'.
The sign was explicit: No Dogs.
The sign was very clear.
Adjective describing 'sign'.
He gave me explicit directions to his house.
Clear steps to find the house.
Adjective modifying 'directions'.
I need an explicit answer: Yes or No?
A direct answer.
Adjective modifying 'answer'.
The book has explicit pictures of the animals.
Clear and detailed pictures.
Adjective modifying 'pictures'.
Her explicit wish was to have a blue cake.
She said it very clearly.
Adjective modifying 'wish'.
The instructions were explicit and easy to read.
Very clear instructions.
Adjective used with 'were'.
The movie has an explicit warning about violence.
A clear warning.
Adjective modifying 'warning'.
You must give explicit permission to use the app.
Direct permission.
Adjective modifying 'permission'.
The coach was explicit about the training schedule.
Very clear about the times.
Adjective after 'was'.
I like songs that are not explicit.
Songs without bad words.
Adjective after 'are'.
The recipe is explicit about the oven temperature.
It states the exact temperature.
Adjective after 'is'.
He made an explicit promise to help me move.
A clear and direct promise.
Adjective modifying 'promise'.
The email was explicit about the meeting time.
The email stated the time clearly.
Adjective after 'was'.
She gave explicit details about her trip to Paris.
Detailed and clear information.
Adjective modifying 'details'.
The contract is explicit regarding the salary.
The contract states the salary clearly.
Adjective modifying 'contract'.
We need to be more explicit in our marketing.
We need to be clearer.
Comparative adjective 'more explicit'.
The law explicitly forbids the use of plastic bags.
The law clearly says no.
Adverb 'explicitly' modifying 'forbids'.
The witness provided an explicit account of the event.
A very detailed description.
Adjective modifying 'account'.
There was no explicit reason for the delay.
No clear reason was given.
Adjective modifying 'reason'.
The author is explicit about his political views.
The author states his views directly.
Adjective after 'is'.
I want an explicit commitment from the team.
A clear and direct promise.
Adjective modifying 'commitment'.
The software provides explicit error messages.
Clear messages about what is wrong.
Adjective modifying 'messages'.
The report makes an explicit link between poverty and crime.
A clear and stated connection.
Adjective modifying 'link'.
She was explicit in her criticism of the new policy.
She criticized it directly and clearly.
Adjective phrase 'explicit in her criticism'.
The treaty contains explicit safeguards for human rights.
Clearly stated protections.
Adjective modifying 'safeguards'.
He explicitly denied any involvement in the scandal.
He said 'I did not do it' very clearly.
Adverb 'explicitly' modifying 'denied'.
The instructions were not explicit enough for a beginner.
They were too vague.
Adjective with 'enough'.
The film was rated R for explicit language.
Graphic or strong language.
Adjective modifying 'language'.
There is an explicit requirement for a master's degree.
It is clearly stated as a rule.
Adjective modifying 'requirement'.
The architect gave explicit drawings to the builders.
Very detailed and clear plans.
Adjective modifying 'drawings'.
The philosopher makes an explicit distinction between mind and body.
A clearly defined difference.
Adjective modifying 'distinction'.
The company has an explicit policy against harassment.
A formal and clear set of rules.
Adjective modifying 'policy'.
The data shows an explicit trend toward urbanization.
A clear and undeniable pattern.
Adjective modifying 'trend'.
The speaker explicitly addressed the concerns of the minority.
Spoke directly to those specific issues.
Adverb 'explicitly' modifying 'addressed'.
Without explicit guidance, the project is likely to fail.
Without clear and detailed help.
Adjective modifying 'guidance'.
The poem lacks explicit meaning, leaving it open to interpretation.
It doesn't have one clear message.
Adjective modifying 'meaning'.
The judge asked for explicit evidence of the crime.
Clear and direct proof.
Adjective modifying 'evidence'.
The software's explicit design makes it very user-friendly.
The clear and intentional layout.
Adjective modifying 'design'.
The transition from tacit to explicit knowledge is crucial for organizational learning.
From hidden to documented knowledge.
Adjective modifying 'knowledge'.
The treaty's explicit language leaves no room for diplomatic maneuvering.
The words are so clear they cannot be misinterpreted.
Adjective modifying 'language'.
The artist's work is an explicit rejection of traditional aesthetics.
A direct and clear 'no' to old styles.
Adjective modifying 'rejection'.
The study explicitly controls for variables such as age and income.
Clearly and intentionally manages these factors.
Adverb 'explicitly' modifying 'controls'.
The narrative's explicit violence serves a specific thematic purpose.
The graphic nature is intentional.
Adjective modifying 'violence'.
The court ruled that the defendant had given explicit consent.
Clear, documented agreement.
Adjective modifying 'consent'.
The manual provides explicit algorithms for data processing.
Detailed and clear mathematical steps.
Adjective modifying 'algorithms'.
The politician was explicit in his denunciation of the coup.
He condemned it in no uncertain terms.
Adjective phrase 'explicit in his denunciation'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— To speak clearly and directly about a topic.
Let me be explicit: I am not happy with this result.
— To make something clear that was previously hidden or implied.
We need to make our expectations explicit.
— Something that is written or said very clearly.
It is explicitly stated in the rules.
— Something that is clearly not allowed.
Smoking is explicitly forbidden in this area.
— Doing something without getting clear permission or info.
Don't leave without explicit instructions.
— A redundant but common way to say something is very clear.
I made my point explicitly clear.
— A direct mention of a person, place, or thing.
The book makes an explicit reference to the war.
— A target that is clearly defined with numbers or dates.
Our explicit goal is to double our sales.
— A memory that you can consciously recall and describe.
Facts you learn in school are part of explicit memory.
Often Confused With
Implicit means suggested; explicit means stated directly.
Specific means one particular thing; explicit means clearly explained.
Explicate is a verb meaning to explain; explicit is the adjective.
Idioms & Expressions
— To explain something in very simple, explicit detail.
Do I have to spell it out for you, or do you understand?
Informal— To speak very frankly and explicitly about a situation.
The boss laid it on the line: improve or leave.
Informal— Something that is written down explicitly and officially.
I want the agreement in black and white.
Neutral— To speak explicitly and honestly about something, even if it's unpleasant.
Let's call a spade a spade: the project is a failure.
Neutral— To speak in a very direct and explicit way.
He gave it to me straight from the shoulder.
Informal— Used to say that a situation is explicit and certain.
He's the best man for the job, no two ways about it.
Informal— To say something very explicitly and directly, often as a refusal.
She refused point-blank to help him.
Neutral— Something that is explicitly clear and obvious.
The mistake was as plain as day.
Informal— To be explicit about your intentions or resources.
It's time to put your cards on the table.
Informal— To give someone an explicit and severe warning.
The teacher read him the riot act for being late.
InformalEasily Confused
They are antonyms and sound similar.
Explicit is out in the open; implicit is hidden or suggested.
The rule was explicit (written), but the meaning was implicit (suggested).
Similar ending and sound.
Complicit means being involved in a crime or wrongdoing.
He was complicit in the robbery.
Similar sound.
Elicit is a verb meaning to draw out a response.
The joke failed to elicit a laugh.
Same root.
Explicate is the action of explaining; explicit is the quality of the explanation.
I will explicate the poem's explicit themes.
Both deal with detail.
Specific points to a 'what'; explicit points to a 'how clearly'.
He gave a specific date, but he wasn't explicit about the time.
Sentence Patterns
The [noun] is explicit.
The sign is explicit.
Give explicit [noun].
Give explicit directions.
It is explicitly [verb-ed].
It is explicitly forbidden.
Be explicit about [noun].
Be explicit about the cost.
There is an explicit link between [A] and [B].
There is an explicit link between smoking and cancer.
Provide explicit [noun] for [noun].
Provide explicit consent for data usage.
Make an explicit distinction between [A] and [B].
Make an explicit distinction between these two ideas.
The [noun]'s explicit [noun] serves a [noun].
The film's explicit violence serves a thematic purpose.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Common in professional, legal, and media contexts.
-
Using explicit when you mean implicit.
→
The meaning was implicit (suggested).
Learners often swap these two. Remember: Explicit = Stated; Implicit = Suggested.
-
Thinking explicit only means 'rude'.
→
The teacher gave explicit instructions.
Don't limit the word to 'Parental Advisory' contexts. It's a positive word for clarity.
-
Forgetting the 't' at the end.
→
Explicit.
The final 't' is important for clear pronunciation.
-
Using 'explicit' as a verb.
→
He explicated the theory.
'Explicit' is an adjective. The verb form is 'explicate'.
-
Overusing 'explicitly' in casual talk.
→
I told him clearly.
'Explicitly' can sound a bit too formal or angry in casual settings.
Tips
Be Precise
Use 'explicit' when you want to sound professional and ensure there is no confusion.
The 'Ex' Rule
Remember that 'Ex' means 'out'. Explicit information is 'out' in the open.
Emphasis
Saying 'I explicitly told you' adds strong emphasis to your statement.
Context Clues
In music, 'explicit' always refers to lyrics. In a classroom, it refers to clarity.
Avoid Redundancy
You don't need to say 'explicitly clear' because 'explicit' already implies clarity.
Antonym Practice
Practice using 'explicit' and 'implicit' together to master the difference.
Adverb Form
Don't forget the '-ly' when describing an action: 'He stated it explicitly.'
Cultural Awareness
Be aware that being too explicit can be seen as rude in some cultures.
Rating Systems
Learn the rating systems in your country to see how 'explicit' is used there.
Scientific Use
In science, use 'explicit' to describe variables that are clearly measured.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'EX-it'. When something is EXplicit, the meaning EXits the person's head and goes directly into yours. It's not hidden inside.
Visual Association
Imagine a bright neon sign that says 'STOP'. It is explicit. Now imagine a person just looking at you and frowning. That is implicit.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to explain your favorite hobby to a friend in three explicit sentences. Do not use words like 'stuff' or 'things'. Be as detailed as possible.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin word 'explicitus', which is the past participle of 'explicare'. The prefix 'ex-' means 'out' and 'plicare' means 'to fold'.
Original meaning: The original literal meaning was 'unfolded' or 'unrolled'. Think of a scroll being unrolled so you can see all the text.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > French > EnglishCultural Context
Be careful using 'explicit' when talking about movies or art, as people might assume you mean it contains sexual or violent content.
In the US and UK, 'explicit' is the standard term for songs with profanity.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Legal/Contracts
- explicit consent
- explicit terms
- explicit agreement
- explicitly stated
Education/Teaching
- explicit instructions
- explicit feedback
- explicit goals
- explicit teaching
Media/Entertainment
- explicit content
- explicit lyrics
- explicit violence
- explicit warning
Science/Research
- explicit variables
- explicit link
- explicit data
- explicit model
Technology/Software
- explicit error
- explicit permission
- explicit design
- explicitly defined
Conversation Starters
"Do you prefer explicit instructions or do you like to figure things out yourself?"
"Should all music with explicit lyrics have a warning label?"
"Can you think of a time when someone wasn't explicit enough and it caused a problem?"
"Is it better to be explicit and blunt, or polite and implicit?"
"How explicit should a movie be when showing historical violence?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you had to be very explicit to make someone understand you.
Write about a time you followed explicit instructions but things still went wrong.
Reflect on the difference between being 'clear' and being 'explicit' in your personal relationships.
Do you think society is becoming too explicit in its media, or is honesty better?
How do you feel when a boss or teacher is not explicit about their expectations?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo! While 'explicit' is used for parental warnings on music, its primary meaning is simply 'clear and detailed.' An explicit math lesson is a good thing because it helps you understand perfectly.
Explicit is stronger than clear. If something is clear, it's easy to see. If it's explicit, every single detail has been provided so there is no chance of a mistake.
Yes, a person can be explicit in their speech or writing. It means they are being very direct and not hiding their meaning.
Yes, it is very common in business and law. For example, 'The contract explicitly states...' is a very standard professional phrase.
In psychology, explicit memory refers to information that you can consciously remember and describe, like facts or events from your life.
You can use it before a noun (explicit instructions) or after a linking verb (The warning was explicit).
It is more formal than 'clear' or 'plain,' but it is used in everyday conversation, especially when talking about music or movies.
The direct opposite is 'implicit.' Other opposites include 'vague,' 'ambiguous,' and 'unclear.'
Because the content (violence or language) is shown directly and clearly, rather than being hidden or suggested.
Not exactly. Explicit instructions make a task easier to understand, but the task itself might still be very hard.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence using 'explicit instructions'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Explain the difference between explicit and implicit in your own words.
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Write a short paragraph about a movie that had an explicit warning.
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Use the adverb 'explicitly' in a professional email sentence.
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Describe an 'explicit goal' you have for learning English.
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Write a sentence using 'explicit consent' in a legal context.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Create a dialogue where one person is being vague and the other asks them to be explicit.
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Write three explicit rules for a classroom.
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Use 'explicit' to describe a scientific finding.
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Write a sentence about an 'explicit link' between two things.
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How would you tell someone 'explicitly' to leave you alone?
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Write a sentence about 'explicit memory'.
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Describe a recipe using the word 'explicit'.
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Use 'explicitly' to describe a rule in your house.
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Write a sentence using 'explicit detail'.
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Explain why 'explicit' is important in a contract.
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Write a sentence using 'explicitly denied'.
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Describe a sign you saw today using the word 'explicit'.
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Use 'explicit' to describe a person's speech.
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Write a sentence about 'explicit knowledge'.
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Say 'explicit' three times, stressing the second syllable.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Explain why you need 'explicit instructions' for a new job.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Describe a sign you saw that was very explicit.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Tell a story about a time someone wasn't explicit enough.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Discuss the pros and cons of explicit lyrics in music.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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How would you explicitly ask for a raise?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Explain the difference between explicit and implicit to a friend.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Give explicit directions from your house to the nearest park.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Roleplay: You are a boss giving explicit goals to an employee.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Talk about an explicit warning you saw on a product.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Why is explicit consent important for privacy?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Describe an explicit memory from your childhood.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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How do you feel when people are not explicit in their communication?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Give three explicit rules for a game you like.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Explain an 'explicit link' you see in the news today.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Say 'explicitly' in a sentence about a law.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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What does 'explicit content' mean to you?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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How can a teacher be more explicit?
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Describe an explicit detail in a painting you like.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Practice saying: 'The instructions were explicitly clear.'
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Listen to a song and check if it has an 'explicit' tag.
Listen for the word 'explicit' in a news broadcast.
Identify if a speaker is being explicit or implicit in a movie scene.
Listen to a teacher's instructions. Are they explicit?
Listen for 'explicitly' in a legal drama show.
Can you hear the stress on the second syllable of 'explicit'?
Listen to a podcast and note how they use the word 'explicit'.
Listen for the 't' sound at the end of 'explicit'.
Listen to a weather report. Is it explicit about the times?
Listen for 'explicit consent' in a tech news story.
Listen to a sports coach. Are their directions explicit?
Identify the tone when someone says 'I explicitly told you.'
Listen for 'explicit detail' in a crime documentary.
Listen to a flight attendant's safety briefing. Is it explicit?
Listen for 'explicitly forbidden' in a school assembly.
He gave me implicit instructions, so I knew exactly what to do.
The sign was explicitaly clear.
I need your explicitate consent.
The movie was rated for implicit violence.
She was very explicited about the rules.
There is an explicit link of smoking and cancer.
He explicit denied the charges.
The teacher gave an explicitate lesson.
I don't like explicit songs lyrics.
Be explicit with what you want.
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'explicit' is your best tool for describing communication that is 100% clear and detailed. Whether you are following a recipe, reading a contract, or listening to a warning, 'explicit' ensures that the message is stated directly, leaving no room for confusion or 'reading between the lines.'
- Explicit means being clear and direct. It is the opposite of hinting or suggesting things indirectly.
- It is often used for instructions, warnings, and legal terms to ensure everyone understands the details.
- In media, 'explicit' warns of graphic content like strong language or violence that is shown directly.
- Using 'explicitly' as an adverb helps emphasize that a statement was made with total clarity and no doubt.
Be Precise
Use 'explicit' when you want to sound professional and ensure there is no confusion.
The 'Ex' Rule
Remember that 'Ex' means 'out'. Explicit information is 'out' in the open.
Emphasis
Saying 'I explicitly told you' adds strong emphasis to your statement.
Context Clues
In music, 'explicit' always refers to lyrics. In a classroom, it refers to clarity.
Example
He gave me explicit directions to his house so I would not get lost.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More Communication words
aah
A1An interjection used to express relief, satisfaction, or pleasure, often in response to something pleasant or comforting. It can also be used to express pain or surprise, though this is less common and often indicated by tone.
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
A2To speak or write to someone directly, or to deal with a specific problem or situation. It is commonly used when giving a speech, writing a destination on mail, or attempting to solve an issue.
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
C1Describing a person or communicative style characterized by a formal and direct manner of address. It implies a state of being rhetorically accessible while maintaining a sense of authoritative presence.
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.
