Something that is explicit is expressed or shown clearly and openly, without any attempt to hide anything.
...sexually explicit scenes in films and books.
...explicit references to age in recruitment advertising.
explicitlyadverb [ADVERB with verb, ADVERB adjective]
The play was the first commercially successful work dealing explicitly with homosexuality.
Their intention is not to become involved in explicitly political activities.
explicitnessuncountable noun
When the book was published, the energy and explicitness caught the popular imagination.
2. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]
If you are explicitabout something, you speak about it very openly and clearly.
He was explicit about his intention to overhaul the party's internal voting system. [+ about]
explicitlyadverb [ADVERB with verb]
She's writing explicitly about old age.
More Synonyms of explicit
explicit in British English1
(ɪkˈsplɪsɪt)
adjective
1.
precisely and clearly expressed, leaving nothing to implication; fully stated
explicit instructions
2.
graphically detailed, leaving little to the imagination
sexually explicit scenes
3.
openly expressed without reservations; unreserved
4. mathematics
(of a function) having an equation of the form y=f(x), in which y is expressed directly in terms of x, as in y=x4 + x + z
Compare implicit (sense 4)
Derived forms
explicitly (exˈplicitly)
adverb
explicitness (exˈplicitness)
noun
Word origin
C17: from Latin explicitus unfolded, from explicāre; see explicate
explicit in British English2
(ɪkˈsplɪsɪt)
the end; an indication, used esp by medieval scribes, of the end of a book, part of a manuscript, etc
Word origin
Late Latin, probably short for explicitus est liber the book is unfolded (or complete); shortened by analogy with incipit
explicit in American English
(ɛksˈplɪsɪt; ɪkˈsplɪsɪt)
adjective
1.
clearly stated and leaving nothing implied; distinctly expressed; definite
see also implicit
2.
saying what is meant, without reservation or disguise; outspoken
3.
plain to see; readily observable
SYNONYMY NOTE: explicit is applied to that which is so clearly stated or distinctly set forth that thereshould be no doubt as to the meaning; , express adds to , explicit the ideas of directness and positiveness; , exact, precise, in this connection, both suggest that which is strictly defined, accurately stated,or made unmistakably clear; , definite implies precise limitations as to the nature, character, meaning, etc. of something;, specific implies the pointing up of details or the particularizing of references
OPPOSITES: vague, ambiguous
Derived forms
explicitly (exˈplicitly)
adverb
explicitness (exˈplicitness)
noun
Word origin
OFr explicite < ML explicitus < L, pp. of explicare: see explicate
Examples of 'explicit' in a sentence
explicit
There were explicit texts and pictures from her to another guy.
The Sun (2016)
The star is no longer comfortable in her home after he posted her an explicit picture.
The Sun (2016)
Police found they had sent hundreds of texts and explicit pictures.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He sent other explicit photos to a 20-year-old student who he also invited to share hotel trysts.
The Sun (2016)
There are no explicit scenes, yet the whole book is simply heaving.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The band formed in 1970 with an explicit and unapologetic political angle.
Smithsonian Mag (2017)
Volunteers who had half a litre found it easier to look at explicit pictures - but women loosened up more than men.
The Sun (2016)
Technology existed to allow social media platforms to block explicit images from young users automatically, following a request from their parents, he said.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He proceeded to send explicit messages and pictures before sharing her details with other men.
The Sun (2014)
Young people receive little or no explicit instruction.
Salkie, Raphael The Chomsky Update - Linguistics and Politics (1990)
We meet most weekends and he sends me explicit photos.
The Sun (2011)
Few of his political works are explicit.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
There was general agreement that the previously unpublished conventions should become explicit and public.
The Times Literary Supplement (2011)
One photo is too explicit to publish.
The Sun (2014)
This is where explicit images are sent by text message from one mobile phone to another.
The Sun (2013)
The scenes were so explicit that there was incorrect speculation that they had been real.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
His work has no explicit campaigning message.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The programme will explore how angry exes have destroyed lives by sharing explicit images of their previous partners.
The Sun (2015)
Most guilty parties wouldn't have any explicit intention.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Our chats have become explicit and pictures have been sent, mainly by me to prove my love for him.
The Sun (2015)
Something so explicit, so impersonal, on a phone.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
And childhood exposure to explicit pics has little effect on teenage behaviour, claims the US study.
The Sun (2014)
Since politics is a process we must again reconsider planning as a process, but from a wider and more explicit political perspective than that of "procedural" theory.
Low, Nicholas Politics, Planning and the State (1990)
In other languages
explicit
British English: explicit ADJECTIVE
Something that is explicit is expressed or shown clearly, without hiding anything.
Many parents worry about explicit violence on television.