explicit definition - Dictionary

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explicit

ex·plic·it [ ik splíssit ]

adjective

Definition:

1. clear and obvious: expressing all details in a clear and obvious way, leaving no doubt as to the intended meaning

Could you be more explicit about what the report needs to cover?

2. definite: definite and unqualified, and not implied or guessed at

I didn't have explicit knowledge of what was going on, but I knew something was up.

3. showing or describing sex openly: portraying nudity or sexual activity in an open and direct way

4. mathematics with only independent variables: describes a mathematical function that contains only variables whose value is independent of the value of the other variables in the function.
See also implicit

[Early 17th century. Directly or via French< Latin explicit-, irregular past participle of explicare (see explicate)]

ex·plic·it·ly adverb

ex·plic·it·ness noun

Word Usage


	explicit or implicit? Explicit means "clear, obvious, and definite": explicit directions;had explicit knowledge of the plot because of being one of the conspirators.Implicit means "implied or unstated but understood," "absolute," and "present as a necessary component": nodding and smiling that signified implicit agreement with our position;implicit faith;the implicit confidentiality between physician and patient.