Explicit
/ɪkˈsplɪsɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsFully and clearly expressed or demonstrated; leaving nothing merely implied.
/ɪkˈsplɪsɪt/
Clearly stated or shown; leaving no room for confusion.
The teacher gave explicit directions for the project.
💡 Simply: Explicit means something is super clear and obvious, like when your teacher gives you super clear directions on how to do your homework, or when a movie shows you exactly what's happening on screen, not leaving you guessing.
👶 For kids: When something is explicit, it means it's very clear and tells you everything you need to know, like when your mom gives you very clear instructions.
More Examples
The contract's terms were explicit, leaving no room for interpretation.
The photograph provided explicit evidence of the crime.
He made an explicit promise to attend the meeting.
How It's Used
"The contract contained explicit terms regarding payment deadlines."
"The news report provided an explicit account of the events."
"She gave me explicit instructions on how to get there."
Of a sexual nature; openly and frankly depicted or expressed; often referring to nudity or sexual acts.
/ɪkˈsplɪsɪt/
Representing or referring to sexual activity or nudity in a very detailed or graphic way.
The warning label indicated the film contained explicit content.
💡 Simply: Sometimes explicit means showing details you might not want to see or hear about. Like when a movie shows too much violence or when a book describes very private stuff.
👶 For kids: When something is explicit in this way, it means it's showing or talking about things that are private or grown-up.
More Examples
The novel avoided being explicit, relying on subtlety.
Parents should be aware of explicit scenes in the movie.
The artist used explicit imagery to convey their message.
How It's Used
"The film was rated R for explicit violence and language."
"The novel contained explicit descriptions of the character's emotions."
"The website contained explicit content."
From Latin *explicitus*, past participle of *explicare* ('to unfold, explain'), from *ex-* ('out') + *plicare* ('to fold'). It originally referred to something unfolded or explained, later evolving to its current meanings related to clarity and directness.
The word explicit has been used since the 17th century. It was initially used in philosophical and scientific contexts to mean 'clearly expressed' or 'fully developed'. Its use expanded to legal and literary contexts, and later, to describe content of a sexual nature in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Imagine a treasure map with a big, red X marking the spot – that's explicit: clear, direct, and right in your face!
Practice
Word Origin
Root: explicare