adj

explicit

ihk-SPLIHS-iht

adj

Stated clearly and in detail, leaving nothing implied.

"She gave explicit instructions on how to assemble the furniture."

"The contract is explicit about the payment terms."

Describing sexual or violent content in a direct, graphic way.

"The film carries a warning for explicit content."

How to Use Explicit

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishClearly and directly stated, with no ambiguity — or, in media, graphically frank.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "implicit," which means suggested or understood without being directly stated — the two are near-opposites.

Easily confused with

implicit →

Common pairings

explicit instructions explicit content sexually explicit

more explicit comparative, explicits plural, most explicit superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

She gave _____ instructions on how to assemble the furniture.

From Latin explicitus, "unfolded, disentangled," related to explicare ("to unfold").

clear direct express monosemic monosemous patent plain specific unambiguous unequivocal univocal

ambiguous equivocal implicit implied polysemous polysemic unexplicit vague

standard implied mislead verbal common beautiful ambiguous certain

elicit deficit illicit solicit implicit complicit

clear direct express monosemic monosemous patent plain specific unambiguous unequivocal univocal ambiguous