adj.
Pronunciation: ik- ' spli-s ə t
Function: adjective
Etymology: French or Medieval Latin; French explicite, from Medieval Latin explicitus, from Latin, past participle of explicare
Date: 1607
1 a : fully revealed or expressed without vagueness, implication, or ambiguity : leaving no question as to meaning or intent < explicit instructions> b : open in the depiction of nudity or sexuality < explicit books and films>
2 : fully developed or formulated <an explicit plan> <an explicit notion of our objective>
3 : unambiguous in expression <was very explicit on how we are to behave>
4 of a mathematical function : defined by an expression containing only independent variables ― compare IMPLICIT 1c
– ex · plic · it · ly adverb
– ex · plic · it · ness noun
synonyms EXPLICIT , DEFINITE , EXPRESS , SPECIFIC mean perfectly clear in meaning. EXPLICIT implies such verbal plainness and distinctness that there is no need for inference and no room for difficulty in understanding < explicit instructions>. DEFINITE stresses precise, clear statement or arrangement that leaves no doubt or indecision <the law is definite in such cases>. EXPRESS implies both explicitness and direct and positive utterance <her express wishes>. SPECIFIC applies to what is precisely and fully treated in detail or particular <two specific criticisms>.