Word
explicit
Phoneticsex·plic·it, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪksˈpɫɪsət/
UK/ɛksplˈɪsɪt/
Definitions
01clear and direct
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.
adj. fully and clearly expressed or demonstrated; leaving nothing merely implied.
Español:explícito
“The teacher gave explicit instructions on how to write the essay.”
“The contract contains explicit terms regarding the termination of services, ensuring that both parties understand their legal obligations from the outset.”
Usage
Often used with nouns like 'instructions', 'orders', 'details', or 'permission'.
02graphic or offensive
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. showing or describing something, like violence or sex, in a very open and direct way.
adj. describing or showing graphic imagery or language, often in a way that may be considered offensive or inappropriate for children.
“The movie was rated R because it contained explicit violence.”
“Broadcasters are required to provide warnings before airing programs that contain explicit language or scenes of a disturbing nature.”
Teaching tip
In modern media, this is the standard term used for 'Parental Advisory' labels on music and films.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “explicit” in context.
Verb
01. give explicit instructions
“The manager gave explicit instructions on how to handle the sensitive data.”
verb + adj + noun
02. make the rules explicit
“The new policy makes the rules explicit so that there is no room for misinterpretation.”
verb + noun + adj
Adjective
03. entirely explicit
“The contract was entirely explicit about the penalties for late delivery.”
adv + adj
04. explicit about the details
“She was very explicit about the details of the agreement during the meeting.”
adj + prep
Noun
05. explicit consent
“The company must obtain explicit consent before sharing user data with third parties.”
adj + noun
06. explicit knowledge
“Explicit knowledge can be easily documented and shared within an organization.”
adj + noun
07. explicit lyrics
“The album was sold with a warning label due to its explicit lyrics.”
adj + noun
Confusables
Explicit = directly stated; implicit = suggested but not directly stated.
Real-World Examples
“One early success was The Men’s Room, the raunchy 1991 BBC series in which his explicit scenes as a libidinous academic earned the censure of the Broadcasting Standards Council.” “This was so even when explicit details about the graduate's financial circumstances had been provided in the prompt.” Etymology
Borrowed from French explicite, from Latin explicitus (“disentangled, easy”), variant of explicātus.
Abbreviated from Latin explicitus est liber (“the book is set in order, ended”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/explicit
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0