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B2 adverb 12 min read

explicitement

Examples
Explanation explicitement in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'explicitement' is a very advanced and difficult word. You don't need to use it yet. Instead, you should focus on simple ways to say things are clear. You might use 'très clair' or 'je dis oui'. At this stage, you are learning basic verbs like 'dire' (to say) and 'écrire' (to write). Understanding that someone can say something 'clearly' is enough. If you see this word in a text, just think of it as meaning 'very clearly' or 'in a way that is easy to see'. You won't hear people use this in basic conversations at a grocery store or when meeting friends for the first time. It is a long word with many syllables, which makes it hard to pronounce for beginners. Focus on shorter adverbs like 'bien' or 'mal' first. However, knowing that French adverbs often end in '-ment' (like English '-ly') is a good first step toward understanding words like 'explicitement' later on in your studies.
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At the A2 level, you are beginning to expand your vocabulary beyond the most basic needs. You might encounter 'explicitement' in simple reading materials or formal announcements. You should recognize that it comes from the adjective 'explicite'. At this level, you can start to compare it with 'clairement'. If a teacher gives you instructions, they are 'claires'. If they write down every single rule, they are being 'explicites'. You might start to use it in very specific sentences, like 'Le professeur a dit explicitement de faire l'exercice'. However, you will likely still prefer simpler expressions. This is a good time to practice the pronunciation of long French words. Remember to break it down: ex-pli-ci-te-ment. Each syllable is important. You are also learning about the 'passé composé', so you might notice where this word sits in a sentence: usually after the past participle. Understanding the difference between saying something directly and just hinting at it is a concept you can now start to label with this word.
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At the B1 level, you are becoming an independent user of French. You should be able to understand 'explicitement' when you hear it in the news or read it in an article. You are moving beyond simple descriptions and starting to discuss opinions and complex instructions. You might use 'explicitement' to clarify your position in a debate or to ensure someone understands your needs. For example, 'Je n'ai pas explicitement demandé de l'aide, mais j'en avais besoin'. At this level, you should also be aware of its opposite, 'implicitement'. Being able to distinguish between these two is a hallmark of reaching the B1 level. You are also more comfortable with adverb placement in different tenses, including the 'conditionnel' and 'subjonctif'. You might use 'explicitement' in a formal letter or email to a landlord or a boss to ensure there is no confusion about a request. It helps you sound more professional and precise in your communication.
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At the B2 level, 'explicitement' should be a regular part of your vocabulary. This is the level where you are expected to understand and produce complex arguments. You use 'explicitement' to add nuance and weight to your statements. You understand that using this word signals a formal register. In a B2 exam (like the DELF), using 'explicitement' correctly in an essay about social issues or in a formal letter of complaint will demonstrate your range of vocabulary. You can use it to analyze an author's intent or a politician's speech. You are also aware of synonyms like 'formellement' or 'expressément' and can choose the best one for the situation. You understand that 'explicitement' is about the 'how' of a statement—the fact that it was articulated with detail. You can now use it fluently in sentences with multiple clauses, such as 'Bien que le contrat ne le mentionne pas explicitement, il est entendu que les frais sont inclus'. Your pronunciation should be smooth, and your placement of the adverb should be instinctive.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic implications of 'explicitement'. You don't just use it for clarity; you use it for rhetorical effect. You can distinguish between 'explicitement', 'formellement', 'univoquement', and 'catégoriquement'. You might use 'explicitement' in a literary analysis to discuss how an author avoids being explicit to create mystery. In professional settings, you use it to navigate complex legal or technical documents. You are sensitive to the fact that 'explicitement' can sometimes sound too aggressive or bureaucratic, and you know how to soften it if necessary. You also understand its use in philosophical contexts, such as the 'explicitation' of a theory. Your ability to use this word in the 'subjonctif passé' or other complex structures is perfect. For example, 'Il aurait fallu qu'il s'exprime plus explicitement pour éviter ce malentendu'. You are a sophisticated user who understands that this word is a key part of the 'langue soutenue' (formal language).
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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'explicitement' and its entire word family. You can use it with the precision of a native speaker, or even with more precision than many native speakers. You understand the historical development of the word and its roots in Latin. You can use it in highly specialized fields, such as linguistics, where you might discuss 'explicit' vs 'implicit' knowledge. You can play with the word in creative writing, perhaps using it ironically. You are comfortable using it in the most formal academic settings, such as defending a thesis or writing a peer-reviewed article. You can also identify when a speaker is using 'explicitement' to hide a lack of substance, or when it is being used as a 'filler' word in high-level political discourse. Your command of the word is such that you can explain its nuances to others, including the subtle differences between it and its closest synonyms in other Romance languages. It is no longer just a vocabulary word; it is a precise tool in your extensive linguistic toolkit.
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Examples
The French adverb explicitement is a sophisticated term used to describe an action performed with absolute clarity, leaving no room for interpretation, doubt, or ambiguity. At its core, it functions as the direct opposite of implicitement (implicitly). When someone speaks or acts explicitement, they are 'unfolding' their thoughts (from the Latin explicare) so that every detail is visible and understandable to the observer or listener. This word is a staple in formal, legal, academic, and professional environments where precision is not just preferred but required. In a legal contract, for instance, rights must be explicitement stated to be enforceable. In a classroom, a teacher might explicitement forbid the use of calculators during an exam.
Linguistic Precision
The word functions as an adverb of manner. It modifies verbs to indicate that the manner of communication was direct and detailed. It is often used with verbs of communication like dire, écrire, mentionner, prévoir, and interdire.

Le règlement intérieur interdit explicitement de fumer dans les bureaux.

In daily life, you might use it when you want to emphasize that you weren't just hinting at something, but that you said it out loud and clearly. If a friend claims they didn't know you were upset, you might respond, 'Je te l'ai dit explicitement hier soir !' (I told you explicitly last night!). It carries a weight of intentionality. To do something explicitement is to do it with the conscious goal of being understood perfectly.
Formal vs. Informal
While 'clairement' is a common synonym used in casual speech, 'explicitement' elevates the discourse. It suggests a more structured or formal declaration. You will find it in technical manuals, philosophical treatises, and diplomatic correspondence.

L'auteur n'a jamais explicitement nommé le coupable dans son roman.

Beyond simple speech, the word applies to computer programming and mathematics. For example, a programmer must explicitement define a variable in certain languages. This technical usage reinforces the idea of 'making something known to the system' without leaving it to default assumptions. In summary, explicitement is the tool of the precise communicator, the careful lawyer, and the rigorous scientist. It ensures that the message received is exactly the message intended, stripped of the shadows of implication.
Structural Usage
In French grammar, adverbs ending in -ment are typically placed after the conjugated verb in simple tenses, or after the past participle in compound tenses for emphasis, though they can also appear between the auxiliary and the participle.

Il faut que vous formuliez explicitement votre demande de remboursement.

Bien que ce ne soit pas écrit, c'est explicitement interdit par le bon sens.

Using explicitement correctly requires an understanding of both its placement and its semantic weight. Because it is a multi-syllabic adverb of manner, its position in a sentence follows specific French grammatical rules while also allowing for stylistic variation to emphasize clarity. In simple tenses, such as the présent or the imparfait, the adverb almost always follows the verb. For example, 'Elle demande explicitement une réponse' (She explicitly asks for an answer). Here, the adverb provides immediate clarification on how the request is being made—not shyly or vaguely, but directly.
Placement in Compound Tenses
In the passé composé, long adverbs ending in -ment like explicitement are frequently placed after the past participle. 'Il a refusé explicitement' is standard. However, placing it between the auxiliary and the participle ('Il a explicitement refusé') is also common and often used to put a stronger focus on the action of refusal itself.

Le contrat a explicitement prévu cette éventualité.

When using explicitement with negative constructions, the adverb usually follows the entire negative verbal group. 'Il ne l'a pas dit explicitement' (He didn't say it explicitly). This construction is very common when someone is being accused of being vague or when there is a misunderstanding about whether a specific instruction was given.
Modifying Adjectives
While primarily used with verbs, explicitement can also modify adjectives, particularly those that imply a state of being mentioned or stated. 'Un accord explicitement formulé' (An explicitly formulated agreement) uses the adverb to strengthen the adjective 'formulé'.

Cette règle n'est pas explicitement mentionnée dans le manuel.

In complex sentences with infinitives, the adverb usually follows the infinitive it modifies. 'Je vous demande de mentionner explicitement votre nom' (I ask you to explicitly mention your name). This ensures the reader knows that the 'explicit' nature applies to the 'mentioning' and not the 'asking'. If you were to say 'Je vous demande explicitement de mentionner votre nom', it means your request is explicit, which slightly shifts the focus.
Emphasis and Sentence Start
Rarely, for rhetorical effect, you might see explicitement at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma, to set the tone for the entire statement. 'Explicitement, il a dit qu'il ne viendrait pas.' This is less common and feels quite formal or emphatic.

Vous devez explicitement accepter les conditions d'utilisation.

Finally, consider its use in comparisons. 'Il l'a dit plus explicitement que la dernière fois' (He said it more explicitly than last time). The structure 'plus/moins + explicitement + que' allows you to rank the level of clarity provided in different situations. This is useful in debates or when analyzing different versions of a text.

Le témoin a explicitement identifié le suspect.

In the French-speaking world, explicitement is a word that signals a transition from the vague to the concrete. You are most likely to encounter it in environments where the stakes of a misunderstanding are high. In the realm of French law and bureaucracy, the word is omnipresent. A judge might state that a law does not explicitement cover a specific case, or a lawyer might argue that a client was not explicitement informed of their rights. This usage highlights the word's role as a gatekeeper of legal certainty.
In the Media and Politics
Political commentators on networks like France 24 or BFM TV frequently use explicitement when analyzing speeches. They might say, 'Le président n'a pas explicitement annoncé sa candidature, mais tout le laisse penser.' This highlights the contrast between what is said directly and what is implied by context.

Le ministre a explicitement exclu toute augmentation d'impôts.

In the academic world, particularly in philosophy and literary criticism, explicitement is used to dissect texts. A professor at the Sorbonne might ask students to identify where an author explicitement states their thesis. Here, the word helps students distinguish between 'le dit' (the said) and 'le non-dit' (the unsaid). It is a tool for rigorous analysis.
In Business and Tech
In corporate meetings, especially in multinational companies based in Paris or Brussels, you will hear explicitement during project briefings. 'Il faut explicitement définir les objectifs du trimestre' (We must explicitly define the quarterly objectives). In the tech sector, it's used when discussing APIs or documentation, where functions must be explicitement called.

Les consignes de sécurité sont explicitement affichées dans l'avion.

In daily life, while less frequent than 'clairement', it appears when people are being firm. A parent might say to a child, 'Je t'ai explicitement défendu de sortir après 22h.' This adds a layer of seriousness to the prohibition. It's not just a 'no'; it's a 'no' that was clearly articulated and should have been understood.
Cultural Nuance
French culture often values eloquence and precision. Using explicitement instead of a simpler word shows that the speaker is educated and values the nuances of the language. It is a 'mot savant' (learned word) that is nonetheless part of the common vocabulary of any fluent speaker.

L'accord de Paris mentionne explicitement la réduction des émissions.

Le logiciel demande explicitement l'autorisation de l'utilisateur.

Even advanced learners of French can stumble when using explicitement, often due to its length or its relationship with English. One of the primary errors is the confusion between explicitement and clairement. While they are often interchangeable, explicitement implies a level of detail and formality that clairement does not. Saying 'Il pleut explicitement' would be incorrect and nonsensical; you should say 'Il pleut clairement' (It's clearly raining). Explicitement is reserved for human communication or structured systems, not natural phenomena.
Misplacement in Sentences
English speakers often try to place the adverb before the verb, as in 'He explicitly said'. In French, 'Il explicitement a dit' is grammatically incorrect. The adverb must come after the conjugated verb or the past participle. 'Il a dit explicitement' or 'Il a explicitement dit' are the correct paths.

Faux : Je vous explicitement demande de partir.
Correct : Je vous demande explicitement de partir.

Another common mistake is the spelling. Students often forget that adverbs ending in -ment are derived from the feminine form of the adjective. Since 'explicite' ends in an 'e', it is already in its feminine form, so you simply add -ment. However, learners sometimes try to add an extra 'e' or 'a', resulting in 'explicitement' (correct) vs 'explicitement' (misspelled as 'explicitemment' or 'explicitament').
Overuse and Register
Using explicitement in very casual settings can make you sound overly stiff or robotic. If you're at a bar with friends, saying 'Je t'ai explicitement dit de prendre une bière' might sound like you're reading a legal brief. In these cases, 'Je t'ai clairement dit' or 'Je t'ai bien dit' is much more natural.

Il ne faut pas confondre explicitement (clairement dit) avec exclusivement (seulement).

Learners also sometimes confuse explicitement with exclusivement (exclusively). While they sound slightly similar to a non-native ear, their meanings are entirely different. 'Il a explicitement parlé de toi' (He explicitly spoke about you) is not the same as 'Il a exclusivement parlé de toi' (He spoke only about you).
The 'False Friend' Trap
While 'explicitly' in English can sometimes imply 'graphic' (as in 'explicit content'), in French, explicitement is less commonly used in this sense. For 'graphic content', French often uses 'scènes explicites' (adjective) or 'contenu choquant'. Using the adverb to mean 'graphically' might be understood but isn't the primary usage.

Le contrat stipule explicitement les conditions de rupture.

N'utilisez pas explicitement si vous voulez juste dire 'really' ou 'very'.

To truly master explicitement, you must know its neighbors in the French lexicon. These synonyms and alternatives allow you to fine-tune your message depending on the context. The most common synonym is clairement. It is more versatile and can be used in almost any situation. However, clairement focuses on the result (the message is clear), while explicitement focuses on the method (the message was stated directly).
Formal Alternatives
In legal or administrative contexts, you might use formellement. This implies a level of official status. If someone 'refuse formellement', they are doing so through official channels. Précisément is another alternative, focusing on the exactness of the details rather than just the directness of the statement.

Il a formellement démenti les rumeurs de démission.

If you want to emphasize that something was said in words, rather than just implied, you can use the phrase en toutes lettres (literally 'in all letters'). This is often used when something is written down. 'C'est écrit en toutes lettres' means it is spelled out clearly. Another idiomatic alternative is noir sur blanc (black on white), which emphasizes the irrefutable nature of a written statement.
Nuanced Differences
Nettement: Used for visual clarity or clear distinctions (e.g., 'C'est nettement mieux').
Expressément: Often used for orders or specific purposes (e.g., 'C'est fait expressément pour vous').
Ouvertement: Used when something is done publicly or without hiding (e.g., 'Il s'oppose ouvertement au projet').

La loi interdit expressément ce genre de pratique commerciale.

For the opposite of explicitement, the primary word is implicitement. Use this when a message is understood even though it wasn't stated. Another useful antonym is tacitement, often used in legal contexts to mean 'silent agreement'. If a contract is renewed tacitement, it happens automatically without anyone needing to say or sign anything.
Verbal Phrases
Instead of an adverb, you can use phrases like 'dire les choses telles qu'elles sont' (to say things as they are) or 'ne pas mâcher ses mots' (to not mince words) for a more idiomatic feel in spoken French.

Même sans le dire explicitement, il a fait comprendre son désaccord.

Il faut précisément suivre les étapes du guide.

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Examples by Level

1

Il dit explicitement non.

He says explicitly no.

Adverb follows the verb 'dit'.

2

C'est écrit explicitement ici.

It is written explicitly here.

Placement after the past participle 'écrit'.

3

Elle demande explicitement de l'eau.

She explicitly asks for water.

Simple present tense placement.

4

Le panneau dit explicitement : Stop.

The sign explicitly says: Stop.

Using 'dire' with an object.

5

Il n'a pas dit explicitement oui.

He did not explicitly say yes.

Negative construction: adverb after the past participle.

6

C'est une règle explicitement donnée.

It is an explicitly given rule.

Modifying a past participle used as an adjective.

7

Je veux explicitement ce livre.

I explicitly want this book.

Emphasis on the verb 'vouloir'.

8

Vous devez dire explicitement votre nom.

You must explicitly say your name.

Adverb follows the infinitive 'dire'.

1

Le professeur a expliqué explicitement la leçon.

The teacher explicitly explained the lesson.

Passé composé placement.

2

Il a refusé explicitement mon invitation.

He explicitly refused my invitation.

Refusal with clarity.

3

Le guide mentionne explicitement le danger.

The guide explicitly mentions the danger.

Present tense of 'mentionner'.

4

Elle a écrit explicitement qu'elle arrivait à midi.

She wrote explicitly that she was arriving at noon.

Introducing a subordinate clause.

5

Le règlement interdit explicitement de courir.

The regulation explicitly forbids running.

Verb 'interdire' + de + infinitive.

6

Il faut explicitement confirmer votre choix.

You must explicitly confirm your choice.

Infinitive 'confirmer' modified by the adverb.

7

Il ne l'a pas mentionné explicitement dans son mail.

He didn't mention it explicitly in his email.

Negative passé composé.

8

La mère a dit explicitement de ranger la chambre.

The mother explicitly said to tidy the room.

Direct instruction.

1

Le contrat stipule explicitement les horaires de travail.

The contract explicitly stipulates the working hours.

Formal verb 'stipuler'.

2

L'auteur exprime explicitement sa tristesse dans ce poème.

The author explicitly expresses his sadness in this poem.

Expressing feelings clearly.

3

Bien qu'il soit timide, il a parlé explicitement.

Although he is shy, he spoke explicitly.

Contrast using 'bien que' + subjonctif.

4

Le gouvernement a explicitement nié ces accusations.

The government has explicitly denied these accusations.

Adverb between auxiliary and participle for emphasis.

5

Il est nécessaire d'énoncer explicitement vos intentions.

It is necessary to explicitly state your intentions.

Formal structure 'Il est nécessaire de'.

6

Le logiciel demande explicitement l'accès à vos photos.

The software explicitly asks for access to your photos.

Technical context.

7

Elle n'a jamais explicitement promis de venir.

She never explicitly promised to come.

Negation 'ne... jamais' with adverb.

8

Les consignes ont été explicitement répétées trois fois.

The instructions were explicitly repeated three times.

Passive voice with adverb.

1

Le texte n'aborde pas explicitement la question du climat.

The text does not explicitly address the climate issue.

Academic/analytical usage.

2

Le directeur a explicitement mandaté cette équipe pour le projet.

The director explicitly mandated this team for the project.

Formal professional context.

3

Il convient de définir explicitement les termes du débat.

It is appropriate to explicitly define the terms of the debate.

Formal 'Il convient de'.

4

L'accusé a explicitement reconnu les faits qui lui sont reprochés.

The accused explicitly recognized the facts they are charged with.

Legal terminology.

5

Cette clause doit être explicitement acceptée par les deux parties.

This clause must be explicitly accepted by both parties.

Passive infinitive construction.

6

L'article critique explicitement la politique de la ville.

The article explicitly critiques the city's policy.

Media/journalistic usage.

7

Il a explicitement fait part de son intention de démissionner.

He explicitly shared his intention to resign.

Phrase 'faire part de'.

8

La notice d'utilisation explique explicitement comment monter le meuble.

The user manual explicitly explains how to assemble the furniture.

Technical clarity.

1

La constitution ne prévoit pas explicitement ce cas de figure.

The constitution does not explicitly provide for this scenario.

High-level legal/political discourse.

2

L'auteur joue sur l'implicite plutôt que de s'exprimer explicitement.

The author plays on the implicit rather than expressing themselves explicitly.

Literary analysis.

3

Il est impératif que les risques soient explicitement mentionnés.

It is imperative that the risks be explicitly mentioned.

Subjunctive mood requirement.

4

Le rapport d'expertise conclut explicitement à une erreur humaine.

The expert report explicitly concludes a human error.

Professional reporting.

5

Sans le dire explicitement, elle a suggéré une autre solution.

Without saying it explicitly, she suggested another solution.

Contrast between explicit and suggestive.

6

Les données doivent être explicitement typées dans ce langage.

Data must be explicitly typed in this language.

Advanced technical/coding context.

7

Le philosophe s'oppose explicitement à la théorie du contrat social.

The philosopher explicitly opposes the social contract theory.

Academic debate.

8

Il a explicitement revendiqué la paternité de cette découverte.

He explicitly claimed paternity of this discovery.

Formal claim of ownership.

1

L'herméneutique cherche à rendre explicite ce qui n'est dit qu'implicitement.

Hermeneutics seeks to make explicit what is only said implicitly.

Philosophical/Linguistic terminology.

2

La jurisprudence a fini par consacrer explicitement ce nouveau droit.

Case law eventually explicitly recognized this new right.

Legal evolution.

3

Il s'agit d'une volonté explicitement manifestée par le peuple.

It is a will explicitly manifested by the people.

Political science context.

4

L'ambiguïté du texte empêche de conclure explicitement sur ses intentions.

The ambiguity of the text prevents concluding explicitly on its intentions.

Complex analytical structure.

5

Le traité ne saurait être interprété comme autorisant explicitement le recours à la force.

The treaty cannot be interpreted as explicitly authorizing the use of force.

Diplomatic/Legal conditional structure.

6

Cette étude remet explicitement en cause les paradigmes établis.

This study explicitly challenges established paradigms.

Scientific discourse.

7

Le metteur en scène a choisi de ne pas montrer explicitement la violence.

The director chose not to explicitly show the violence.

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