Explicit – what does it mean? Definition, synonyms, examples in sentences

Do you know the adjective explicit? What does it mean? Do you know any synonyms of this word and how to use it in sentences? The answers to these questions will be made explicit to you in this article.

Explicit – what does it mean? Definition

Explicit is an adjective that means clear and exact, easy to understand, so that you have no doubt what is meant, as in explicit instructions or explicit directions.

It can also mean clearly developed or formulated, as in explicit knowledge, explicit plan or explicit belief.

Explicit can also refer to a description that is often included in parental-advisory warnings about movies, books or song lyrics etc. that show or talk about sex or violence in a very detailed way.

Explicit – synonyms

Here are some synonyms of the word explicit that will be helpful in remembering its meaning:

Explicit – etymology

The word explicit meaning “open to the understanding, not obscure or ambiguous” dates back to the 1610s and comes from the French word explicite or Latin explicitus “unobstructed”.

As a euphemism for “pornographic” it dates from 1971, however, phrases such as sexually explicit are earlier. Interestingly, explicitus was written at the end of medieval books and was originally short for explicitus est liber meaning “the book is unrolled”.

Explicit – examples from the literature and press

All the poor lady’s papers were in order; explicit directions regarding the place of burial were given.

Bram Stoker, Dracula

In any case, it seemed to him that if Cedric had really wanted to give Harry a hand, he would have been a lot more explicit.

J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire

It is rare that a conspiracy can be proven by direct evidence of an explicit agreement.

“New York Times”, Nov 10, 2022