Explicit
/ɪkˈsplɪsɪt/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Explicit means something is said or shown in a clear and exact way. There is no need to guess or guess what it means because everything is explained openly and clearly. It can be used for words, instructions, rules, or images that are easy to understand and not hidden.
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See It in Action
Clearly and fully expressed in words or actions
- •The instructions were explicit, so nobody made a mistake.
- •She gave explicit details about the event to avoid confusion.
- •The contract has explicit terms about payment and deadlines.
Showing or describing something openly, sometimes about private or sensitive topics
- •The movie contains explicit scenes not suitable for children.
- •The book has explicit language that some readers may find offensive.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "explicit" like "clear" (A1 word), but even stronger—so clear you cannot misunderstand it
- ✓Picture a bright sign with big letters that tells you exactly what to do, like "STOP" or "NO SMOKING"
- ✓It's the feeling when someone tells you exactly what they want without any secrets or hidden meaning
- ✓Sounds like "ex-PLISS-it" → imagine a box that is open with all its contents visible (nothing hidden inside)
- ✓Think of a teacher giving explicit instructions so everyone knows exactly how to do the homework
- ✓NOT like "implied" (meaning is suggested but not clearly said)—explicit is direct and clear
- ✓NOT like "vague" (not clear)—explicit is very precise and easy to understand
Try Other Words
- •Clear: easy to understand, without confusion (Use when you want to say something is easy to see or understand but not necessarily very detailed)
- •Direct: straightforward and honest (Use when focusing on straightforward communication without beating around the bush)
- •Specific: detailed and exact (Use when emphasizing detailed information or exact points)
- •Open: not hidden or secret (Use when focusing on things shown or told without hiding anything)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix "ex-" (out, fully) + root "plic" (from Latin "plicare" meaning to fold or explain) + suffix "-it" (adjective ending)
- •Etymology: From Latin "explicitus," meaning "unfolded, clear, plain"
- •Historical development: Originally meaning something unfolded or explained, it evolved to mean clear and fully expressed
- •Modern usage: Used to describe clear, exact statements or images, often in rules, instructions, or content warnings
Reflect & Connect
•When is it important to be explicit in communication, and when might it be better to be less direct?
•How does being explicit help avoid misunderstandings in daily life or work?
Fill in the blanks
1.The teacher gave explicit instructions so the students would ___ the task without mistakes.
2.The movie was rated R because it had ___ scenes that were not for children.
3.Unlike implied meanings, explicit words leave no ___ about what is meant.
4.When writing a contract, it is important to include ___ terms about payment and deadlines.
5.She was explicit ___ her feelings, so everyone understood exactly how she felt.
6.The instructions were so ___ that even beginners could follow them easily.
7.If something is not clear, it is not explicit but rather ___ or vague.