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explicit

explicit [ 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 that something was happening.

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)]

explicitly adverb

explicitness 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 doctor and patient.

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