B2 Collocation Formal 3 min read

explicitement indubitable

explicitement indubitable

Literally: explicitly indubitable

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to describe a fact that is 100% certain.
  • Combines 'clearly stated' with 'impossible to doubt'.
  • Best suited for professional, legal, or academic contexts.

Meaning

This phrase describes something that is so clear and certain that it is impossible to argue against. It is the ultimate way to say a fact is 100% proven and obvious to everyone.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

Presenting data in a meeting

La croissance de notre entreprise est explicitement indubitable cette année.

Our company's growth is explicitly indubitable this year.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
2

Complimenting a friend's obvious skill

Ton talent pour le piano est explicitement indubitable.

Your talent for the piano is explicitly indubitable.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

A lawyer making a closing argument

L'innocence de mon client est explicitement indubitable au vu des preuves.

My client's innocence is explicitly indubitable given the evidence.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

In France, intellectualism is highly valued. Using precise, Latin-derived vocabulary in a debate is a sign of a good education (une bonne éducation). While Quebec uses this in formal writing, the spoken language is often more influenced by English structures. You might hear 'C'est clair' more often than 'indubitable'. French in West Africa often maintains a very high level of formality in administrative and legal contexts, sometimes even more so than in modern France. Belgian French uses this phrase in legal and European Union contexts, where absolute clarity is required for translation across many languages.

🎯

The Essay Closer

Use this in the final sentence of your 'conclusion' in a French essay to leave a strong impression of logical certainty.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this more than once in a conversation, you will sound like you are trying too hard to be smart.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to describe a fact that is 100% certain.
  • Combines 'clearly stated' with 'impossible to doubt'.
  • Best suited for professional, legal, or academic contexts.

What It Means

This phrase is a powerhouse of certainty. It combines explicitement (clearly stated) with indubitable (impossible to doubt). When you use it, you are saying a truth is visible and solid. There are no hidden meanings or 'maybes' here. It is like looking at a blue sky and saying its color is beyond question. It is the 'mic drop' of logical statements.

How To Use It

You will mostly use this as an adjective phrase to describe a situation or a piece of evidence. It usually follows the verb être (to be). For example, you could say Le résultat est explicitement indubitable. You can also use it to describe a person's talent or a logical conclusion. It sounds very sophisticated and intellectual. It is not something you say while chewing gum or running for a bus.

When To Use It

Use this in professional settings like a business meeting or a legal discussion. It is perfect for academic writing or when you are giving a serious presentation. If you want to sound very persuasive in a debate, this is your secret weapon. It also works in serious personal conversations when you want to express total confidence. Use it when you want to end a long argument with a final, logical point.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using this in very casual settings like a bar or a fast-food restaurant. Saying your burger is explicitement indubitable will make your friends laugh at you. It is too heavy for small talk or lighthearted jokes. Do not use it if there is even a tiny shred of doubt. If you are only 90% sure, stick to probable or clair. Using it for trivial things makes you sound a bit arrogant.

Cultural Background

French culture places a high value on 'la clarté' (clarity) and 'la logique' (logic). This stems from the philosophy of René Descartes, who famously sought truths that were impossible to doubt. Using a phrase like this shows you value rigorous thinking. It reflects the French love for precise language and structured debate. It is a very 'Cartesian' way of expressing yourself.

Common Variations

You might hear people say clairement indéniable, which is slightly more common in daily speech. Another variation is manifestement incontestable. If you want to be simpler, you can just say c'est une certitude. In very formal legal texts, you might see formellement établi. However, explicitement indubitable remains one of the strongest ways to express absolute truth.

Usage Notes

This is a high-register collocation. Use it in writing or formal speaking to convey maximum authority and logical certainty.

🎯

The Essay Closer

Use this in the final sentence of your 'conclusion' in a French essay to leave a strong impression of logical certainty.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this more than once in a conversation, you will sound like you are trying too hard to be smart.

💬

Cartesian Spirit

This phrase is the essence of the 'esprit cartésien'. Use it when you want to sound like a true French intellectual.

Examples

6
#1 Presenting data in a meeting
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

La croissance de notre entreprise est explicitement indubitable cette année.

Our company's growth is explicitly indubitable this year.

Used here to emphasize undeniable financial success.

#2 Complimenting a friend's obvious skill
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Ton talent pour le piano est explicitement indubitable.

Your talent for the piano is explicitly indubitable.

A very high-level, slightly dramatic compliment.

#3 A lawyer making a closing argument
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

L'innocence de mon client est explicitement indubitable au vu des preuves.

My client's innocence is explicitly indubitable given the evidence.

Used to show absolute legal certainty.

#4 Texting a friend about a shared opinion
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Que ce film soit un chef-d'œuvre est explicitement indubitable !

That this movie is a masterpiece is explicitly indubitable!

Using formal language in a text for humorous emphasis.

#5 Expressing deep conviction
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Mon engagement envers ce projet est explicitement indubitable.

My commitment to this project is explicitly indubitable.

Shows serious and unwavering dedication.

#6 Discussing a scientific fact
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Le lien entre ces deux phénomènes est explicitement indubitable.

The link between these two phenomena is explicitly indubitable.

Perfect for scientific or research-based conclusions.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.

Les preuves présentées par le procureur sont ________ ________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: explicitement indubitables

The noun 'preuves' is feminine plural, so 'indubitable' must become 'indubitables'. The adverb 'explicitement' never changes.

Which sentence uses the phrase in the correct register?

Choose the most appropriate context:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: La validité de cette théorie est explicitement indubitable.

This phrase is reserved for formal, objective, and intellectual contexts like scientific theories.

Match the phrase to the most likely speaker.

Who would say: 'L'impact de cette loi est explicitement indubitable.'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A political analyst on a news channel

The formal and analytical tone fits a professional commentator.

Complete the dialogue with the most logical response.

Speaker A: 'Penses-tu que les chiffres sont corrects ?' Speaker B: 'Oui, après vérification, ils sont ________.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: explicitement indubitables

Speaker B is confirming the correctness of the numbers (plural) with high certainty.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase. Fill Blank B2

Les preuves présentées par le procureur sont ________ ________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: explicitement indubitables

The noun 'preuves' is feminine plural, so 'indubitable' must become 'indubitables'. The adverb 'explicitement' never changes.

Which sentence uses the phrase in the correct register? Choose B2

Choose the most appropriate context:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: La validité de cette théorie est explicitement indubitable.

This phrase is reserved for formal, objective, and intellectual contexts like scientific theories.

Match the phrase to the most likely speaker. situation_matching B1

Who would say: 'L'impact de cette loi est explicitement indubitable.'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A political analyst on a news channel

The formal and analytical tone fits a professional commentator.

Complete the dialogue with the most logical response. dialogue_completion B2

Speaker A: 'Penses-tu que les chiffres sont corrects ?' Speaker B: 'Oui, après vérification, ils sont ________.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: explicitement indubitables

Speaker B is confirming the correctness of the numbers (plural) with high certainty.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

No, it is quite rare in daily speech. You will mostly hear 'c'est sûr' or 'c'est clair'. It is reserved for formal debates or writing.

Not really. You wouldn't say 'Cet homme est explicitement indubitable.' You would say 'Son honnêteté est explicitement indubitable.'

'Indubitable' means you can't doubt it (internal thought). 'Incontestable' means you can't argue against it (external debate). They are very close synonyms.

Yes, it means something is stated or shown directly, not just implied.

Related Phrases

🔄

hors de tout doute

synonym

Beyond all doubt

🔗

clair comme de l'eau de roche

similar

Clear as spring water

🔗

il va sans dire

builds on

It goes without saying

🔗

une vérité de La Palice

contrast

A truism or something painfully obvious

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