Word
explicitly
Phoneticsex·plic·it·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪksˈpɫɪsətɫi/
UK/ɛksplˈɪsɪtli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. in a way that is very clear and direct, leaving no room for confusion. You use this when someone says exactly what they mean without hiding anything.
adv. in a clear and detailed manner, leaving no room for confusion or doubt. Often used to describe communication that is overt rather than implied.
Examples
“The teacher explicitly told us to bring our books.”
“The contract explicitly states that the tenant is responsible for all minor repairs to the property.”
“Although the director never explicitly confirmed the film's meaning, several scenes strongly suggest a critique of modern consumer culture through their visual symbolism.”
Examples
simple
“The teacher explicitly told us to bring our books.”
contextual
“The contract explicitly states that the tenant is responsible for all minor repairs to the property.”
complex
“Although the director never explicitly confirmed the film's meaning, several scenes strongly suggest a critique of modern consumer culture through their visual symbolism.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “explicitly” in context.
Verb
01. explicitly address
“The new policy fails to explicitly address the concerns raised by the staff.”
adv + verb
02. explicitly examine
“The study will explicitly examine the link between diet and cognitive function.”
adv + verb
03. explicitly include
“The contract must explicitly include a clause regarding termination notice.”
adv + verb
04. explicitly state
“The instructions explicitly state that the device should not be submerged in water.”
adv + verb
Usage
Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause for emphasis.
Real-World Examples
“In a recorded online briefing, Dudley Council chief executive Balvinder Hera stressed residents should not return home until explicitly told they could do so.” “The same poll found that 16 percent of Canadians in 2022 explicitly rated the US as “not reliable”.” “It was a fairly innocuous message and didn’t explicitly endorse Peltola.” Etymology
From explicit + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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
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englishreference.com/q/explicitly