Explicit vs implicit
Explicit means said clearly and directly, with nothing left vague. Implicit means suggested or understood without being said directly.
EXplicit is EXpressed in words. IMplicit is IMplied, hinted at but never said.
explicit adjective
Stated in a clear, direct and detailed way, leaving nothing vague.
- The contract included explicit terms about payment deadlines.
- The teacher gave explicit instructions not to use phones during the test.
implicit adjective
Suggested or understood without being said in so many words.
- Her silence at the meeting carried an implicit criticism of the plan.
- There was an implicit promise that he would pay her back.
Watch out
- Implicit trust or implicit faith means complete and unquestioning trust, not hidden trust.The children had implicit faith in their grandmother.
- Explicit can also describe content that shows sex, violence or rude language openly, such as songs or films.The album's explicit lyrics earned it a parental advisory label.
- Implicit in means present as a natural part of something, even if it is not openly shown.There is a risk implicit in every investment, however safe it looks.
Test yourself
The sign gave an blank warning: No swimming after dark.
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explicit. The warning is written out clearly and directly.
His raised eyebrow was an blank message that he did not believe her.
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implicit. The message is hinted at, not put into words.
The rules make it blank that late work loses points.
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explicit. The rules state this clearly, so nothing is left to guess.
The climbers placed blank trust in their guide as the weather turned.
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implicit. Implicit trust means complete trust without any doubt.
Full entries: explicitimplicit